Name: Classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 onion (chopped); 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 cups vegetable broth (preferably low sodium); 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes; 6 ounces can of tomato paste; ¾ cup heavy whipping cream; Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1 parmesan rind (optional); Extra virgin olive oil or shredded parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional); 2 slices sourdough bread; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened); 2 slices white cheddar cheese; 2 slices mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe

There’s something magical about Classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese, a simple duo that instantly envelopes you in comfort and nostalgia. This unbeatable pairing features a silky, luscious tomato soup—gloriously smooth and rich—alongside a perfectly crispy, ultra-melty grilled cheese sandwich. Each spoonful and bite conjures up the ultimate cozy meal, whether it’s a rainy afternoon treat or the centerpiece of a casual family dinner. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both satisfying and soul-hugging, you’ll want this timeless favorite in your recipe rotation!

Classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese relies on a handful of pantry staples and a couple of fresh touches to make something truly special. Every ingredient—from the butter sautéing in your pot to the sharp tang of white cheddar—plays a unique role in flavor, texture, and that signature soothing tomato-red color.

Unsalted butter: Provides a luxurious base for both the soup and your crispy grilled cheese.
Onion (chopped): Brings natural sweetness and depth to the soup.
Minced garlic: Adds savory warmth to the broth.
All purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup, making it beautifully creamy.
Vegetable broth (preferably low sodium): Lifts all the flavors while keeping things light and balanced.
Canned crushed tomatoes: The star ingredient for full tomato flavor and a velvety texture.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato richness and deepens the color.
Heavy whipping cream: Swirls in creaminess and a hint of indulgence.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season and bring everything into harmony.
Parmesan rind (optional): Adds a surprising savory umami to the soup as it simmers.
Extra virgin olive oil or shredded parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional): Adds a hint of richness or an extra cheesy touch when serving.
Sourdough bread: Perfect for toasting up golden and crunchy while giving a slight tang.
Unsalted butter (softened): For slathering onto the bread before grilling, ensuring perfect browning.
White cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and delivers a classic sharpness.
Mozzarella cheese: Offers that irresistible, gooey stretch in every bite.

How to Make Classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Begin your journey to comfort food heaven by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it gently soften, releasing its sweetness. After a couple of minutes, add the minced garlic—just as it becomes fragrant, you know you’re on your way to a flavorful base for your Classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese.

Step 2: Build and Simmer the Soup

Lower the heat and sprinkle in the flour, whisking well with a splash of broth. This step guarantees your soup will have that lovely, creamy finish. Pour in the remaining vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and parmesan rind, giving everything a good stir. Let the pot simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and the soup to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Blend for Creamy Perfection

When your kitchen is filled with the aroma of simmering tomatoes, remove the parmesan rind, and then blend the soup until it’s perfectly smooth. An immersion blender works right in the pot, but a regular blender will also do the trick—just remember to vent the lid so you don’t end up with a soup geyser!

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Season

Return your velvety soup to the stove over low heat. Pour in that luscious heavy cream and give it a good stir, watching the color turn a dreamy orange. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to suit your palate. Let it warm through, and get ready for a super-silky mouthful.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve the Soup

Ladle your tomato soup into bowls, then scatter a little shredded parmesan or drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for a restaurant-worthy presentation. These little touches make Classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese feel extra special every time.

Step 6: Stovetop Grilled Cheese Magic

Butter one side of each bread slice generously—edge to edge is the pro move. Place one slice (buttered-side down) onto a skillet, layer on white cheddar and mozzarella, then cap it off with the second slice, buttered-side up. Grill over medium heat, covering the skillet so the cheese melts deeply while the bread crisps perfectly. Flip when golden brown and finish the other side the same way. For the ultimate gooeyness, halve your sandwich to check the melt and, if needed, return to the skillet until the cheese is just right.

Step 7: Oven-Grilled Cheese Option

For a hands-off approach, preheat your oven to 375ºF and line a baking sheet. Prepare your buttered and assembled sandwich as before, then bake until the cheese begins to melt. A quick flip and a short stint under the broiler crisps both sides to golden perfection. This method is easy, reliable, and turns out a fantastic grilled cheese to pair with your soup.

Step 8: Assemble Your Classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Combo

Slice the grilled cheese in classic triangles and nestle it beside a steaming bowl of tomato soup. This is the moment when Classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese comes together as a heartwarming, crave-worthy meal you’ll want to repeat week after week.

How to Serve Classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese

Garnishes

Dress up each bowl with a flourish of shredded parmesan, a light swirl of olive oil, or even a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. These finishing touches not only look inviting but add tiny pops of flavor that keep every spoonful interesting. For the ultimate Classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese experience, don’t skip the garnish!

Side Dishes

Classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese is plenty satisfying all on its own, but it also shines with simple sides. Think a fresh green salad with a zippy vinaigrette, crunchy pickles, or a small bowl of coleslaw. Handmade potato chips or oven-roasted veggies are also great companions, offering added crunch and variety to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your presentation by cutting grilled cheese into strips (great for dipping!), making mini slider-sized sandwiches for parties, or serving the soup in mugs for casual gatherings. Swirl pesto or hot sauce onto the soup’s surface for color, or try topping with herby croutons. However you present it, Classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese always feels both familiar and a little bit special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover tomato soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Let the soup cool fully before transferring to a sealed container. Grilled cheese is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have extras, wrap them in foil and refrigerate for up to two days.

Freezing

Classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese also lends itself well to make-ahead planning. The soup freezes perfectly—just leave out the cream until you’re ready to reheat and serve. Cool the soup, pour into freezer-safe containers (leaving a little space for expansion), and freeze for up to three months. For grilled cheese sandwiches, it’s best to make them fresh, but you can prep and freeze the bread and cheese, assembling right before cooking.

Reheating

To reheat Classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese, warm the soup gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring in the cream just before serving if you left it out earlier. For your grilled cheese, re-crisp in a skillet or toaster oven until the bread gets its crunch back and the cheese melts once more. Avoid the microwave for the sandwich if you want to keep that golden crust!

FAQs

Can I make Classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend in the soup, and use your favorite gluten-free bread for the grilled cheese. Everything else remains the same, so you still get that same nostalgic, comforting flavor.

What are the best cheeses for grilled cheese?

White cheddar and mozzarella are a dreamy combination, but feel free to experiment. Sharp cheddar, fontina, gruyere, or even a slice of American cheese will melt beautifully and offer their own signature gooeyness and tang.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Certainly! During tomato season, use ripe, juicy tomatoes for deep flavor. Just chop and simmer a few extra minutes to cook down before blending. You may want to add a spoonful of tomato paste to boost the richness.

How do I make the soup extra creamy?

For an ultra-creamy Classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese, add an extra splash of cream or even a dollop of crème fraîche just before serving. You could also blend in a bit of cream cheese for next-level silkiness.

Can the soup be made vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and cream, skip the parmesan rind or use a vegan version, and make sure your bread and cheese for the sandwich are also plant-based. With these swaps, Classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese easily becomes a cozy vegan dish.

Final Thoughts

Classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese is the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you crave something timeless or want to relive the comfort foods of your youth, this recipe delivers every single time. Give it a try—you’re in for a delicious, memorable treat!

Classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 27 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the comforting combination of classic tomato soup and grilled cheese with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick, satisfying meal.

Instructions

Make the Soup – Cook the onion and garlic. Add remaining ingredients and cook. Remove the parmesan rind. Blend. Add cream and season to taste. Add garnishes.
Make the Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Stovetop Method – Butter the bread. Assemble grilled cheese. Cook. Make it melty. Dig in.
Grilled Cheese – Oven Method – Preheat oven. Add the butter. Assemble grilled cheese. Bake. Broil.

Notes

You can customize your grilled cheese with different cheeses or add-ons like bacon or tomatoes.
For a lighter version, use whole grain bread and low-fat cheese for the sandwich.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop, Oven
Cuisine: American