Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Recipe

Let’s talk about the ultimate comfort food: Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese. This is the kind of cozy, soul-warming meal that brings a smile on even the chilliest evenings. In each spoonful and crunchy cheese-laden bite, you’ll find satisfying flavors that are as nostalgic as they are delicious!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese is a true celebration of simple, honest ingredients. Every component plays an important role—freshness and ripeness shine in the tomatoes, while balsamic, cream, basil, and good bread take things straight to the comfort food hall of fame.

• Tomatoes (1½ kg/3lbs, or whole canned): Use ripe and juicy seasonal tomatoes for the best flavor, or San Marzano canned tomatoes when fresh aren’t available.
• Balsamic Vinegar (2 tbsp): Adds a gorgeous tang and sweetness, giving the soup depth and balance.
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For roasting and sautéing—the foundation for a rich, luscious soup.
• Sugar (1 tbsp): Just a touch balances the acidity of the tomatoes and highlights their sweetness.
• Salt (1 tsp, plus more to taste): Essential for seasoning every layer—taste as you go!
• Red Onions (2, finely chopped): These provide a sweet, mellow base that supports the tomatoes beautifully.
• Garlic Cloves (2, finely chopped): That unmistakable aromatic punch—don’t skip it.
• Fresh Basil Leaves (½ cup, plus extra for serving): Whole leaves get blended in, infusing the soup with fresh, herbaceous brightness.
• Tomato Paste (2 tsp): Deepens the tomato flavor and adds body.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth (8 cups): Use what you love; broth brings the whole pot together and keeps things savory.
• Cream (½ cup): Stirred in at the end for that signature velvety finish.
• Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): Adjust at the end so every spoonful sings.
• For the Grilled Cheese: Two slices bread per person—your favorite loaf, sourdough, or classic white all work wonders.
• Grated Mozzarella (2 cups): Gives you that epic stretch when you pull your sandwich apart.
• Grated Mature Cheddar (2 cups): For punchy, flavorful cheesiness that melts to perfection.
• Butter: Don’t be shy—generous butter makes for golden, crispy grilled cheese outsides.

Variations

One of the best things about Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese is how customizable it is. Don’t hesitate to tailor the soup or sandwiches to what you have, your mood, or anyone at your table!

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or red pepper flakes to the soup for gentle, warming heat.
• Dairy-Free or Vegan: Swap the cream for coconut milk and use plant-based butter and cheese in your sandwich for a cozy vegan version.
• Herb Swap: Try swapping basil for fresh thyme or oregano if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
• Cheese Lover’s: Mix in some grated gruyère, fontina, or provolone into your grilled cheese mixture for extra richness.

How to Make Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F. Place the tomatoes (canned tomatoes go in with their juices) in a roasting tray. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, add the sugar and salt, then toss to coat. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft, caramelized, and bubbling—the start of everything delicious. This step is magic; it coaxes out so much more flavor than simmering alone.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot over medium-high heat, warm a splash of olive oil. Sauté the finely chopped onions until they’re soft and fragrant. Add the garlic and basil, frying for just a minute to soften and infuse the oil—you’ll smell that heavenly aroma fill the kitchen!

Step 3: Add Tomatoes & Simmer

Scrape in the roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Stir well and pour in the broth. Lower the heat, cover with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. This brings everything together and melds the flavors perfectly.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Take the pot off the heat. Use an immersion blender (or carefully ladle into a countertop blender, working in batches) to puree the soup until silky-smooth. If you like a little texture, blend a bit less.

Step 5: Add Cream & Final Seasoning

Stir in the cream, then taste the soup—adjust salt and pepper until every spoonful is just right. Give it a final stir for that velvety finish.

Step 6: Make the Grilled Cheese

Mix together your grated mozzarella and cheddar. Pile about ½ cup of the cheesy blend onto half the bread slices, then top with the other bread. Generously butter both sides of each sandwich. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium, and cook until golden brown and the cheese is pulling, gooey and melted—flip halfway for even crispiness. Let them rest a second before slicing.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot Easy Tomato Soup into bowls, drizzle with a bit of cream and a scatter of fresh basil, and serve with your gooey grilled cheese sandwiches for the coziest meal you’ll ever crave.

How to Serve Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

Garnishes

For the prettiest soup bowls, add a swirl of cream right on top and scatter a few fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of finely chopped herbs. A crack of black pepper or a pinch of chili flakes also adds color and a tantalizing aroma as you serve Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese.

Side Dishes

While the classic pairing is truly satisfying, you can add a bright green salad, salty olives, or even a tangy pickle alongside your Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese for extra textures and flavors. For heartier appetites, roasted potatoes or a handful of kettle chips on the side never go amiss.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this cozy meal into a dinner party centerpiece by serving the soup in small cups with mini grilled cheese dippers or cutting sandwiches into fun shapes for kids. Want to impress? Grill the sandwiches in a panini press and slice them into elegant soldiers for dunking, letting everyone join in the fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow your leftover Easy Tomato Soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, making weekday lunches or snack-time cravings practically effortless. Grilled cheese sandwiches are best eaten fresh but can be reheated for a snack the next day.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Easy Tomato Soup—with or without the cream stirred in (add cream after thawing for the best texture, if possible). Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Grilled cheese is best made fresh, but you can freeze grated cheese to streamline prep!

Reheating

Reheat tomato soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. If it thickens after being chilled, add a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to that perfect silky consistency. For grilled cheese, toast in a pan over medium-low heat or crisp up in a toaster oven—just until the cheese is oozy again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up this beloved Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese. There’s just something so special about sharing a piping hot bowl and that signature melty sandwich with those you love. Grab your favorite mug and get ready for a taste of pure comfort—promise, it’s every bit as wonderful as it sounds!

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