Save to Pinterest Nothing soothes quite like a bowl of creamy tomato soup paired with a golden grilled cheese sandwich This is comfort food at its finest and comes together in just thirty minutes on any given weeknight or rainy afternoon
I remember making this after a chilly soccer practice with my son It is one of those meals that welcomes you home in the best possible way
Ingredients
- Canned tomato soup: gives deep tomato flavor and saves time Look for brands with minimal added sugar for the cleanest taste
- Bread: acts as the crisp yet tender base for your sandwich Choose a hearty sandwich loaf that will toast up golden
- Cheddar cheese: offers that classic melty texture Go for sharp cheddar if you like intense cheesy flavor or mild for a more subtle bite
- Butter: is what makes the bread golden and full of flavor Opt for real unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup:
- Pour the canned tomato soup into a saucepan Heat slowly over medium heat and stir gently just until it begins to simmer Let it gently bubble for five minutes to bring out the flavors You can add a splash of milk or cream if you want extra richness
- Assemble the Grilled Cheese:
- Take two slices of bread for each sandwich Butter one side of each piece generously Place two slices of cheddar between the unbuttered sides and keep the buttered sides facing out
- Toast the Sandwiches:
- Heat a skillet over medium low Lay each sandwich in the pan with the buttered side down Cook until the bread is a deep golden brown and crispy about three to four minutes Flip and repeat on the other side The cheese should be melted and gooey in the middle
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Pour the hot tomato soup into bowls and pair alongside the grilled cheese sandwiches For extra fun cut the sandwiches into strips for dunking into the broth
Save to Pinterest My favorite part about making this recipe is slicing up the gooey grilled cheese into triangles for dunking My kids and I always try to see who has the cheesiest pull
Storage Tips
Let both soup and sandwiches cool before storing Keep soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days Reheat gently to avoid scorching If you have extra sandwiches store them in foil and reheat in a toaster oven for best crunch
Ingredient Substitutions
For the soup you can use fire roasted canned tomatoes and blend them for a fresher taste Swap out cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor Gluten free bread works great if you need it
Serving Suggestions
Add a handful of fresh chopped basil or a swirl of cream to the soup before serving Serve with crunchy pickles or a light green salad for a rounded meal
Cultural Context
Tomato soup and grilled cheese is classic American diner fare dating back decades Many households consider it a go to lunch on cold days and some say it tastes even better with a side of nostalgia
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap in fresh ripe tomatoes during summer when they are at their peak Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or chives in spring for a bright flavor Use leftover holiday ham slices in the sandwich for a winter twist
Success Stories
A friend of mine once brought this to a new neighbor and they became fast friends It is a meal that really brings people together and sparks conversation
Freezer Meal Conversion
To freeze make both components Separately cool and package the soup flat for easy thawing Wrap the grilled cheese sandwiches individually in foil Freeze for up to two months and reheat as needed
Save to Pinterest This recipe is quick, comforting, and always brings smiles around the table Enjoy every dunk and cheesy bite
Common Recipe Questions
- → How can I make the soup extra creamy?
Add a splash of cream or milk to the tomato soup before serving for a richer texture.
- → What's the best bread for grilled cheese?
Sourdough or white sandwich bread toasts evenly and gets a crisp, golden crust for grilled cheese.
- → Can I use other cheeses besides cheddar?
Yes, try mozzarella, Swiss, or a blend for different flavors and meltiness in your sandwiches.
- → How do I get my grilled cheese extra crispy?
Generously butter the bread and cook on medium-low heat to ensure the exterior turns golden and crisp.
- → What can I add to the soup for more flavor?
Enhance tomato soup with fresh basil, cracked pepper, garlic, or a pinch of chili flakes for added depth.
- → How long does this meal take to prepare?
The full process, including soup heating and sandwich toasting, typically takes about 30 minutes.