Tomato soup and grilled cheese is a classic combination that has been a favorite in American households for generations. This simple yet delicious pairing offers the perfect blend of creamy, tangy soup and crispy, melty sandwich. Whether enjoyed on a chilly day or as a nostalgic meal, tomato soup and grilled cheese never fail to deliver comfort and satisfaction. Here’s everything you need to know about making and enjoying this timeless duo.
Why You’ll Love Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
- Comforting and Nostalgic: This pairing evokes memories of childhood and cozy family meals. The warm, creamy tomato soup and the gooey, crispy grilled cheese sandwich offer a sense of comfort and familiarity.
- Simple and Quick: Both tomato soup and grilled cheese are easy to prepare, making them ideal for a quick lunch or dinner. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Versatile: You can customize both the soup and the sandwich to suit your taste. Add herbs and spices to the soup, use different types of cheese, or include extra ingredients like bacon or avocado in the grilled cheese.
- Nutritious: Tomato soup provides a good source of vitamins A and C, while the grilled cheese sandwich offers protein and calcium. Together, they make a balanced meal that’s both tasty and nutritious.
Ingredients for Tomato Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Ingredients for Grilled Cheese
- 8 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole grain)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 8 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, Swiss, or a combination)
- Optional extras: cooked bacon, tomato slices, avocado
Preparation of Tomato soup and grilled cheese
Tomato Soup:
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth:
- Add the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir in the sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Blend the Soup:
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Add Cream:
- Stir in the heavy cream or whole milk. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Grilled Cheese:
- Prepare the Sandwiches:
- Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place a slice of cheese (or more if you like it extra cheesy) between two slices of bread, with the buttered sides facing out.
- Cook the Sandwiches:
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches on the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve:
- Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately with the hot tomato soup.
Tips for the Best Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
- Use Quality Ingredients:
- Use good-quality canned tomatoes and fresh cheese for the best flavor. Homemade or bakery bread can also elevate the sandwich.
- Add Herbs and Spices:
- Enhance the flavor of the soup by adding herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat.
- Experiment with Cheese:
- Mix and match different types of cheese to find your perfect combination. Gouda, Gruyère, and mozzarella are great options to try.
- Upgrade Your Sandwich:
- Add extras like crispy bacon, tomato slices, or avocado to your grilled cheese for added flavor and texture.
- Make Ahead:
- The tomato soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving with freshly made grilled cheese.