Creamy Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

Velvety tomato soup combined with melty grilled cheese dippers for satisfying, cozy meals.

# Ingredient List:

→ Creamy Tomato Soup

01 - 2 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 carrot, peeled and diced
05 - 2 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes
06 - 2 cups vegetable broth
07 - 1 tsp sugar
08 - 1 tsp dried basil
09 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
11 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
12 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
13 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter

→ Grilled Cheese Dippers

14 - 8 slices sandwich bread
15 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
16 - 8 slices cheddar cheese, or mixed cheddar and mozzarella

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced carrot. Cook until softened, approximately 5 minutes.
02 - Add crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
03 - Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender or work in batches with a countertop blender to puree the soup until smooth.
04 - Stir in heavy cream and unsalted butter. Return to low heat and warm through, adjusting seasoning as needed.
05 - Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Place cheese slices between two pieces of bread with the buttered sides facing outward.
06 - Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook sandwiches until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
07 - Remove sandwiches from heat, allow to cool for 1 minute, then cut each sandwich into strips for dipping.
08 - Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve alongside grilled cheese dippers.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in 45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when time feels tight.
  • The grilled cheese dippers transform soup into something interactive and fun that even reluctant eaters will enjoy.
  • Naturally vegetarian and easily adaptable if someone at your table has dietary preferences.
  • Built on simple ingredients you probably already have, no specialty shopping required.
02 -
  • Blend the soup while it's still in the pot if you have an immersion blender—it saves cleanup and keeps the warmth contained so you're not wrestling with scalding liquid.
  • Don't skip the sugar; just 1 teaspoon tames the acidity in the tomatoes and rounds out the whole flavor in a way your guests won't consciously notice but will definitely taste.
  • If your cream and butter are much colder than the soup, stir them in slowly so they incorporate evenly and create a truly silky texture rather than separating.
03 -
  • Use a neutral skillet for the grilled cheese and don't crowd it—cook sandwiches one or two at a time so heat reaches all of them evenly and cheese melts properly.
  • If your tomatoes taste tinny or overly acidic when the soup is done, a small pinch of baking soda will neutralize that bite instantly (add it slowly, as it will bubble).

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