Easy Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Croutons

Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons is a nostalgic, soul-warming combination that transforms a classic childhood favorite into a gourmet comfort dish.

The creamy, tangy tomato soup is silky smooth and full of rich flavor, while the grilled cheese croutons add a golden, buttery crunch that takes the experience to the next level.

This dish strikes the perfect balance between cozy and fun, making it a standout choice for rainy days, cozy dinners, or whenever you’re craving a warm culinary hug.

Why I Love This Recipe:

I love this recipe because it turns a simple, comforting classic into something a bit more special. It’s easy to make from scratch, but tastes like you spent hours crafting it. The contrast between the velvety soup and crispy, melty grilled cheese bites is pure magic — and it’s one dish that always puts a smile on my face.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish:

• Comfort food reimagined – nostalgic yet elevated
• Kid-friendly and adult-approved
• Easy to make with pantry staples
• Perfect for meal prep, lunches, and casual dinners

Preparation & Cooking Time:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~400–500 kcal (depends on bread and cheese used)

Ingredients:

For the Tomato Soup:

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can (28 oz / 800g) whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for creaminess)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

For the Grilled Cheese Croutons:

• 4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole grain)
• 2 tbsp butter, softened
• 4 slices cheddar, American, or mozzarella cheese

Step-by-Step Preparation Method:

Step 1: Make the Tomato Soup

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in canned tomatoes (crush them by hand or with a spoon).
5. Add broth, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Blend the Soup

1. Remove from heat and blend using an immersion blender until smooth.
2. (Or carefully transfer to a blender in batches.)
3. Return to the pot, stir in cream or milk if using, and warm through.
4. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Make the Grilled Cheese Croutons

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place cheese between two slices (butter-side-out).
4. Grill on each side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
5. Let cool for 1–2 minutes, then cut into bite-sized cubes.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Ladle soup into bowls.
2. Top with grilled cheese croutons.
3. Garnish with fresh basil or cracked pepper if desired.

How to Serve:

• Serve hot in bowls with grilled cheese croutons on top or on the side.
• Add a drizzle of cream or olive oil for an elegant touch.
• Pair with a green salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Additional Recipe Tips & Variations:

Tips:

• Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor (San Marzano recommended).
• Blending the soup thoroughly gives it a restaurant-quality texture.
• Let the grilled cheese cool before cutting for clean, crisp croutons.

Variations:

• Add a kick: Stir in red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Make it creamy: Use coconut milk for a dairy-free creamy texture.
• Upgrade the cheese: Try Gruyère, fontina, or pepper jack.
• Roast the tomatoes: Use fresh roasted tomatoes for deeper flavor.

Freezing & Storage:

Tomato Soup:

• Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Grilled Cheese Croutons:

• Best served fresh.
• Storage: Can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, then reheated in a toaster oven.
• Not recommended for freezing, as texture will suffer.

Special Equipment Needed:

• Large soup pot
• Blender or immersion blender
• Non-stick skillet or grill pan
• Ladle
• Cutting board and sharp knife

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Yes! Roast 2 lbs of fresh tomatoes until soft, then use in place of canned.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free or vegan?
A: Absolutely. Use olive oil instead of butter, and skip the cream or use coconut milk. Use vegan cheese for the croutons.

Q: Can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
A: Yes. Simmer longer to thicken, or add extra broth/milk to thin it out.

Q: Can I serve the grilled cheese separately?
A: Definitely — serve whole sandwiches on the side if you prefer.

Conclusion:

Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons is more than just a meal — it’s a bowl of warmth, nostalgia, and joy. With the smooth richness of homemade tomato soup and the crunch of gooey grilled cheese bites, this dish brings comfort and creativity together in the best way possible. Whether you’re cozying up solo or feeding a hungry family, this recipe is sure to be a repeat favorite.