This Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheesy Toast is the ultimate comfort food duo—rich, velvety tomato soup paired with golden, gooey grilled cheese toast that’s crisp on the outside and melty inside. The first time I made this from scratch, I was amazed by how simple ingredients could create such a deeply satisfying, cozy meal. It’s the perfect combination for chilly days, quick lunches, or whenever you crave something warm and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it takes a humble classic and elevates it with freshness and flavor. The soup is smooth, rich, and lightly spiced, made with real tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. The cheesy toast adds a crispy, savory finish that complements every spoonful perfectly. It’s wholesome, filling, and comes together in under 45 minutes. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or just treating yourself, this combo never fails to bring warmth and comfort.
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Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheesy Toast – Classic Comfort, Perfectly Balanced
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheesy Toast is a comforting and classic meal featuring creamy, flavorful tomato soup served with golden, crispy grilled cheese toasts. Perfect for chilly days, this cozy combination delivers the ultimate balance of savory, cheesy, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
- For the Tomato Soup:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for lighter version)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh basil)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Grilled Cheesy Toast:
- 4 slices of bread (sourdough or white)
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, broth, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender) to purée the soup until smooth.
- Return soup to the pot, stir in the cream, and heat gently without boiling. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Make the Grilled Cheesy Toast: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place two slices, buttered side down, in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle cheese evenly on top, then cover with the other slices, buttered side up.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted. Slice diagonally.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and serve with cheesy toast on the side or for dipping.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the soup.
- Top the soup with a drizzle of cream or croutons before serving.
- Use different cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, or provolone for a gourmet twist.
- The soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Tomato Soup:
Olive Oil or Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the aromatics.
Onion: Gives the soup a sweet, savory base.
Garlic: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor.
Crushed Tomatoes (or Fresh Ripe Tomatoes): The star ingredient for that bold, tangy tomato taste.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the flavor and adds body to the soup.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Creates the perfect soup consistency.
Heavy Cream or Milk: Balances the acidity with creaminess.
Salt, Black Pepper, and Sugar: Season and balance the flavor.
Fresh Basil or Thyme: Adds fragrance and a touch of herbal freshness.
For the Grilled Cheesy Toast:
Bread (Sourdough or White): Thick slices hold up best when grilled.
Butter: Creates a golden, crisp crust.
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: The perfect melty, gooey combination.
Garlic Powder (optional): Adds an extra kick of flavor to the toast.
Directions
Step 1: Make the Soup
In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Add crushed tomatoes and broth, then season with salt, pepper, a pinch of sugar, and herbs. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a regular blender) to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in cream or milk and adjust seasoning to taste. Keep warm over low heat.
Step 2: Make the Grilled Cheesy Toast
Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Place the buttered side down on a skillet over medium heat, then layer with cheese and top with another slice, buttered side up. Cook until golden and the cheese melts—about 2–3 minutes per side. For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle shredded cheese on the outer sides of the bread before grilling.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Cut the grilled cheese into strips or triangles for dipping and serve immediately.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4 people. Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 30 minutes. Total time: 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen. The grilled cheese is best made fresh, but you can reheat it in a toaster oven for a few minutes to restore its crispness.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Tomato Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
Roasted Tomato Soup: Roast the tomatoes and garlic before blending for a deeper flavor.
Herbed Toast: Add chopped basil or parsley to the butter before grilling.
Cheese Blend: Try Gruyère, provolone, or pepper jack for new flavor twists.
Vegan Version: Use coconut milk in the soup and dairy-free cheese on the toast.
Bacon Twist: Add crispy bacon bits on top of the soup or inside the grilled cheese.
Caramelized Onion Toast: Layer caramelized onions with cheese for extra richness.
Creamy Basil Soup: Stir in pesto or extra basil for a fragrant touch.
Tomato Bisque: Blend the soup extra smooth and finish with a drizzle of cream.
Mini Dippers: Cut grilled cheese into bite-sized cubes for dunking.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, crushed or whole canned tomatoes work perfectly—just use high-quality ones for the best flavor.
Can I skip the cream?
Yes, the soup will still be delicious—use milk or a dairy-free alternative.
Can I make the soup ahead of time?
Definitely—it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Can I use different cheeses for the toast?
Yes, use your favorite melty cheese—cheddar, Swiss, provolone, or gouda.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, substitute olive oil for butter and coconut milk for cream, and use vegan cheese.
Can I add vegetables to the soup?
Yes, carrots, celery, or roasted red peppers blend in wonderfully.
How do I make it thicker?
Simmer the soup longer or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste.
Can I use an immersion blender?
Yes, it’s the easiest way to make the soup smooth without extra dishes.
Can I make it spicy?
Add a dash of chili flakes or a bit of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
What’s the best bread for the grilled cheese?
Sourdough, brioche, or rustic white bread gives the perfect texture and crunch.
Conclusion
This Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheesy Toast is pure comfort in a bowl—creamy, savory, and perfectly balanced. The soup’s silky texture and rich tomato flavor pair beautifully with the crispy, gooey grilled cheese toast, making every bite a satisfying harmony of warmth and flavor. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner or a nostalgic lunch, this classic combo is simple to make, comforting to eat, and guaranteed to warm both your heart and your home.
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