Do Share Recipe

I made this Easy Tomato Soup With Grilled Cheese Recipe on a quiet afternoon, and it instantly reminded me why this combo is such a classic. The soup turned out rich, smooth, and full of real tomato flavor, while the grilled cheese was perfectly crisp and melty.

I love how simple ingredients can create something so comforting and satisfying. This is the kind of meal I make when I want warmth, ease, and a little nostalgia in one bowl. If you’re looking for a cozy, no-stress recipe, this one always works. You can also enjoy similar creamy flavors in a Creamy Gnocchi Soup With Rosemary & Bacon Recipe for a different twist on comfort food.

Ingredients

Tomatoes – 1.5 kg (about 3 lbs): Fresh, ripe tomatoes give the soup a naturally sweet and rich flavor; avoid frozen tomatoes as they release too much water.
Balsamic vinegar – 2 tablespoons: Adds gentle sweetness and depth, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons: Used for roasting and sautéing; regular olive oil handles heat better than extra-virgin.
Sugar – 1 tablespoon (optional): Helps balance acidity if tomatoes are very tangy; always taste before adding.
Salt – 1 teaspoon (or to taste): Enhances overall flavor; adjust after blending for accuracy.
Red onions – 2 medium, finely chopped: Become soft and slightly sweet when cooked, adding body to the soup.
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced: Fresh garlic gives stronger aroma and flavor than jarred or paste versions.
Fresh basil leaves – ½ cup: Adds classic tomato-basil freshness; best added before blending.
Tomato paste – 2 teaspoons: Intensifies tomato flavor without thinning the soup.
Vegetable or chicken broth – 8 cups: Low-sodium broth gives better control over seasoning.
Cream – ½ cup: Creates a smooth, velvety texture; heavy cream works best.
Black pepper – to taste: Adds mild warmth and balances richness.

For the grilled cheese sandwiches:

Bread slices – 2 per sandwich: Sourdough or white bread grills evenly and stays crisp.
Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups, freshly grated: Gives a stretchy, gooey melt; fresh grating melts better.
Cheddar cheese – 2 cups, freshly grated: Adds sharp flavor that balances mozzarella.
Butter – as needed: Ensures golden, crispy bread when grilling.

Note: These ingredient quantities make several servings, suitable for family meals or leftovers. You can also try a savory stuffed option like the Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken Recipe for a spicier variation alongside this soup.

Variations

This recipe is easy to customize based on taste or dietary needs.

Dairy-free version: Use coconut milk instead of cream and vegan cheese for sandwiches
Sugar-free option: Skip sugar if tomatoes are naturally sweet
Extra flavor: Add dried oregano or thyme for a deeper herb profile
Spicy twist: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce
Creamier soup: Add extra cream or a knob of butter before serving

Cooking Time

Here’s how long the recipe takes from start to finish:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Equipment You Need

These tools help make the process smooth and easy.

Roasting tray – to caramelize tomatoes evenly
Large pot or Dutch oven – for simmering the soup
Blender or immersion blender – to puree the soup smoothly
Non-stick pan – for grilling sandwiches evenly
Cheese grater – for fresh, melt-friendly cheese

How to Make Easy Tomato Soup With Grilled Cheese Recipe?

This method keeps everything simple while building deep flavor step by step.

Roast the Tomatoes

Preheat the oven and place tomatoes in a roasting tray with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar, and salt. Roast until soft and slightly caramelized. This step concentrates flavor and removes raw acidity.

Cook the Soup Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot and cook onions slowly until soft and translucent. Add garlic and basil, then stir in roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Let everything simmer gently.

Blend Until Smooth

Once the vegetables are tender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Use a blender or immersion blender. Return to low heat and stir in cream, salt, and pepper.

Prepare the Grilled Cheese

Mix mozzarella and cheddar together. Fill buttered bread slices with cheese and grill on medium heat. Cook slowly so the cheese melts before the bread browns.

Serve and Enjoy

Pour hot soup into bowls and serve with grilled cheese on the side or sliced for dipping. The contrast of creamy soup and crisp sandwich is unbeatable.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this many times, these tips always improve the result for me:

I roast the tomatoes until lightly charred for deeper flavor
I sauté onions slowly instead of rushing them
I always grate cheese fresh for better melting
I blend half smooth and leave some texture for a rustic feel

How to Serve Easy Tomato Soup With Grilled Cheese Recipe?

Serve the soup hot in deep bowls with a swirl of cream and a few basil leaves. Cut grilled cheese into strips or triangles for dipping. A sprinkle of black pepper or chili flakes makes it look and taste even better.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

Calories: Around 480 kcal
Protein: About 22 g
Carbohydrates: About 41 g
Fat: About 26 g

Make Ahead and Storage

This soup is perfect for planning ahead.

Refrigerator:
Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Freezing:
Freeze the soup before adding cream for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating:
Warm on low heat, stirring often. Add cream after reheating for best texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons this recipe becomes a favorite:

It’s comforting, warm, and satisfying
Ingredients are simple and affordable
Easy to customize for different diets
Perfect for quick dinners or relaxed weekends
Loved by both kids and adults

This easy tomato soup with grilled cheese is one of those recipes I come back to again and again. It’s cozy, reliable, and always delicious—exactly what comfort food should be.

Ben Carraoli