Lunch

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Combo

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The Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Soup combo is a nostalgic American classic—warm, crispy, cheesy, and soul-satisfying. This pairing is more than just lunch; it’s a beloved culinary hug that transcends generations.

Whether you’re a college student grabbing a quick bite, a parent serving a cozy weekend lunch, or just someone craving a taste of comfort, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s easy to prepare, affordable, and endlessly customizable.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • It’s simple yet comforting—no fancy ingredients needed.
  • Offers the perfect balance of crunchy, gooey, and creamy textures.
  • A quick fix that feels like a warm embrace.
  • Perfect for all ages—kids adore it, adults crave it.

Why It’s a Must-Try Lunch Dish

  • It’s a timeless American favorite.
  • Takes under 30 minutes to make.
  • Packs a punch of flavor and nostalgia in every bite.
  • Perfect for pairing with a light salad or apple slices for a full lunch.

Prep & Cooking Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 2
  • Calories: ~450–600 per serving (depending on cheese, bread, and soup)

Ingredients:

For the Grilled Cheese:

  • 4 slices sourdough or white sandwich bread
  • 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, or American)

For the Quick Tomato Soup:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: ¼ cup heavy cream or milk for a creamy texture

Directions:

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Make the Tomato Soup

  1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Sauté onion until translucent (about 3–4 minutes). Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, sugar, basil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. For a creamier soup, stir in heavy cream.
  6. Blend the soup (optional) for a smooth texture using an immersion blender or regular blender.

2. Prepare the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

  1. Butter one side of each bread slice.
  2. Place cheese slices between two pieces of bread, with buttered sides facing out.
  3. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches on the skillet.
  4. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and cheese is melted.

How to Serve

  • Cut grilled cheese diagonally for a classic look.
  • Serve with a small bowl of warm tomato soup for dipping.
  • Add a side of mixed greens, apple slices, or potato chips for a full meal.

Additional Tips & Variations

Tips:

  • Use room temperature butter for easy spreading.
  • Cover the pan while cooking grilled cheese to help melt the cheese faster.
  • Toast your bread lightly first if you want extra crispiness.

Variations:

  • Add-ins: Bacon, sliced tomatoes, caramelized onions, or pesto inside the sandwich.
  • Cheese swaps: Use gouda, Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack.
  • Soup twists: Add red pepper flakes, roasted red peppers, or use fresh tomatoes when in season.

Freezing & Storage

Storage:

  • Grilled cheese is best eaten fresh but can be stored for 1–2 days in the fridge and reheated in a skillet.
  • Tomato soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.

Freezing:

  • Tomato soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
  • Grilled cheese doesn’t freeze well but you can freeze assembled sandwiches (uncooked) and grill fresh.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Nonstick skillet or griddle
  • Medium saucepan
  • Immersion blender or regular blender (optional, for soup)

FAQ

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free bread and double-check that your broth is gluten-free.

Q: Can I use store-bought tomato soup?
A: Absolutely. It saves time and still tastes great with homemade grilled cheese.

Q: What’s the best bread for grilled cheese?
A: Sourdough, brioche, or hearty white bread give the best crisp and chew.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: The soup can be made ahead and reheated. Make the grilled cheese fresh for best results.

Conclusion

The Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Combo is a lunch legend for good reason. It’s simple, delicious, comforting, and universally loved. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal or a cozy weekend lunch, this dish delivers every single time.

Comfort food doesn’t get more classic—or more satisfying—than this.

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Combo
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Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Combo

Recipe by adminCourse: Lunch
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Total time

25

minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Grilled Cheese:

  • 4 slices sourdough or white sandwich bread

  • 2 tablespoons butter (softened)

  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, or American)

  • For the Quick Tomato Soup:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes

  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth

  • ½ teaspoon sugar

  • ½ teaspoon dried basil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Optional: ¼ cup heavy cream or milk for a creamy texture

Directions

  • Make the Tomato Soup Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent (about 3–4 minutes). Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, sugar, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a creamier soup, stir in heavy cream. Blend the soup (optional) for a smooth texture using an immersion blender or regular blender.
  • Prepare the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Butter one side of each bread slice. Place cheese slices between two pieces of bread, with buttered sides facing out. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches on the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and cheese is melted.