Are you craving comfort food that's quick and easy? Look no further! In this post, I’ll show you how to make a tasty Easy Tomato Soup with Melty Grilled Cheese Delight. This classic combo is perfect for chilly days or a simple weeknight dinner. With fresh ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavors: This recipe combines the rich taste of tomatoes and creamy textures, providing a warm and satisfying experience that feels like a hug in a bowl.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks looking for a quick meal.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your taste, whether that means adding spices or switching up the cheese.
- Perfect Pairing: The grilled cheese sandwiches complement the soup beautifully, making this dish a classic comfort food combination that everyone loves.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients for Tomato Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream)
List of Ingredients for Grilled Cheese
- 4 slices of sourdough bread
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese (or any cheese you like)
- Butter for grilling
When making this easy tomato soup, I start with simple ingredients. Olive oil adds richness. Onion and garlic give depth. Crushed tomatoes bring tang and sweetness. Vegetable broth adds a savory base. Dried basil gives a hint of earthiness. Sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Heavy cream or coconut cream makes it creamy and smooth.
For the grilled cheese, I choose sourdough bread for its crunch. Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds a sharp flavor. Butter gives that golden brown crust we all crave. Each ingredient plays a role in making this meal simple yet delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Instructions for Making Tomato Soup
1. Sauté onion and garlic. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and stir it until it turns clear. This takes about 5 minutes. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 more minute until it smells great.
2. Add tomatoes and broth. Pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of vegetable broth. This will form the base of your soup.
3. Season and simmer. Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and some salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This lets the flavors mix well.
4. Blend until smooth. After simmering, take the pot off the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until it is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Instructions for Preparing Grilled Cheese
1. Assemble sandwiches. Take 4 slices of sourdough bread. Butter one side of each slice. On the non-buttered side of 2 slices, place 1 slice of cheese. Top with the other slices, buttered side facing out.
2. Grill until golden and cheese is melted. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and the cheese is melty.
3. Slice and serve. Cut the grilled cheese into strips or halves. Serve the warm tomato soup in bowls next to the melty grilled cheese. Enjoy this cozy meal!
Tips & Tricks
Tips for Perfect Tomato Soup
- Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste. This helps to balance the soup.
- Add heavy cream slowly. It makes the soup creamy and rich. If you prefer, use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Fresh basil adds a lovely touch. Chop it finely and sprinkle it on top.
- A drizzle of olive oil enhances the flavor. Pour a little on each bowl just before serving.
Tips for Grilled Cheese
- Cheddar cheese melts beautifully. You can also use Gruyère or Monterey Jack for great texture.
- Keep the heat medium. This helps the bread brown without burning.
- Grill each side for 3-4 minutes. You want to see a golden, crispy crust.
- If you like, add a slice of tomato or some spinach inside the sandwich for extra flavor.
Pro Tips
- Enhance Flavor: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor in the soup.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a unique twist on the classic grilled cheese.
- Make It Vegan: Use coconut cream and vegan cheese to create a delicious dairy-free version of this comforting meal.
- Storage Tips: The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat before serving!
Variations
Alternative Ingredients for Tomato Soup
You can switch up the soup to fit your needs. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This keeps the soup rich and creamy without dairy. If you like a kick, add chili flakes. They add heat and flavor.
For a roasted tomato version, roast fresh tomatoes in the oven first. This brings out their sweetness. Just blend them into the soup with the other ingredients. It gives a deeper flavor that many love.
Grilled Cheese Variations
Your grilled cheese can change too! Try using different bread types. Whole grain or rye bread offers a nice twist. You can also mix cheeses. A blend of cheddar and mozzarella melts beautifully.
Want to add more flavor? Toss in slices of avocado or a spoonful of pesto. These add richness and a fresh taste. You can be creative and make it your own!
Storage Info
Storing Tomato Soup
To keep your tomato soup fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. It will stay good for about 3 to 5 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Let it cool first, then pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Storing Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese sandwiches are best eaten fresh. If you have leftovers, wrap them in foil or plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat, avoid the microwave if you want a crispy texture. Instead, use a skillet over medium heat. Heat each side for about 2 to 3 minutes. This will bring back that melty cheese and crispy bread. Enjoy your cozy meal again!
FAQs
How do I make tomato soup from scratch?
Making tomato soup from scratch is easy and fun. You start with fresh ingredients. You can use canned tomatoes or fresh ones. Homemade soup usually tastes better than canned soup. Here’s how to do it:
1. Heat olive oil in a pot.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
3. Stir in minced garlic until fragrant.
4. Add crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth.
5. Season with dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer for 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
7. Stir in heavy cream and blend until smooth.
This method gives a rich and tasty soup.
What cheese is best for grilled cheese?
The best cheese for grilled cheese is one that melts well. Here are some popular choices:
- Cheddar: Classic and sharp flavor.
- American: Creamy and melts perfectly.
- Mozzarella: Stretchy and mild.
- Gruyère: Nutty and rich.
Each cheese adds a unique taste and texture to your sandwich. Go with your favorite or mix them for fun flavors.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Here’s how:
- For the soup: Make it and cool it down. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat when ready.
- For the grilled cheese: You can assemble sandwiches ahead of time. Just wrap them in foil and store in the fridge. When ready to eat, grill them until golden.
This way, you can enjoy your meal with less fuss on busy days!
Making tomato soup and grilled cheese is simple and fun. We covered the list of ingredients needed, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and tasty variations. You can adjust flavors and try new cheeses to find what you love. Storing these dishes is easy, too, with tips for refrigeration and freezing. Remember, each bowl of soup and grilled cheese brings warmth and comfort. Enjoy your cooking and share it with friends and family. This classic meal warms hearts and fills bellies!
