The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic: Easy Homemade Tomato Soup and Gooey Grilled Cheese
Is there any combination more soul-soothing than a steaming bowl of homemade tomato soup alongside a perfectly golden, gooey grilled cheese sandwich? This simple yet profoundly flavorful duo isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether it’s a chilly evening, a lazy weekend afternoon, or a moment when you simply crave that nostalgic hug in a bowl, this classic pairing consistently delivers. It’s a culinary embrace that transcends seasons and occasions, making it a beloved staple for countless homes around the world.
My Personal Journey to This Comfort Classic
I distinctly remember one particular Valentine’s Day. While many were planning elaborate, fancy dinners, I found myself longing for something profoundly comforting and wonderfully nostalgic. It was also around the busy Carnival period in our region, a time that often leaves one craving simplicity. That evening, the idea of a complex meal felt overwhelming. What truly resonated was the thought of a warm, homemade dish that required minimal fuss but delivered maximum satisfaction.
And so, I turned to this beloved Dutch classic: a hearty, homemade tomato soup paired with a perfectly grilled cheese toastie. It was exactly what my soul needed – simple, warm, and incredibly satisfying. The rich, tangy soup combined with the crispy bread and melting cheese was an instant hit. Since that day, this delightful duo has blossomed into a cherished tradition in my home, not solely reserved for Valentine’s Day, but for any moment when I desire a warm, cozy meal that feels like a loving embrace without demanding extensive effort. It’s my go-to recipe for those days when comfort is paramount.
Mastering the Combo: Tips for the Best Homemade Tomato Soup & Cheesy Toast
Creating the ultimate tomato soup and grilled cheese is all about a few key techniques and ingredient choices. Here are my top tips to elevate your comfort food experience:
- Choose Ripe, Flavorful Tomatoes: The quality of your tomatoes is paramount. Opt for ripe, juicy varieties like Roma, San Marzano, or even heirloom tomatoes for a naturally sweeter and more intense flavor. Freshness makes a huge difference in the final taste of your soup.
- Sauté Aromatics and Fry Tomatoes: Don’t skip the step of frying your tomatoes briefly before simmering. This process, along with sautéing shallots and garlic until fragrant, helps to deepen their flavor, caramelize their natural sugars, and create a richer, more complex base for your soup.
- Achieve Creaminess (Optional but Recommended): For a velvety texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream, coconut milk (for a dairy-free option), or even a dollop of Greek yogurt after blending. This adds a luxurious richness and mellows the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.
- Enhance with Fresh Herbs: Herbs are game-changers. Incorporate fresh basil, oregano, or thyme during the simmering process, and always finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil leaves just before serving for an aromatic burst.
- Perfect Your Grilled Cheese Technique: For a flawlessly golden and gooey grilled cheese, butter the outside of your bread slices generously. Cook it “low and slow” in a pan or sandwich maker. This allows the bread to crisp up without burning and gives the cheese ample time to melt into a luscious, stretchy perfection.
- No Sandwich Maker? No Problem! If you don’t have a dedicated sandwich maker, a frying pan works wonderfully. Simply press the sandwich down with a spatula or another plate while it cooks. This ensures even contact with the heat and helps the cheese melt beautifully.
Have you tried this wonderfully delicious and comforting recipe? I would absolutely love to see your creations! Don’t forget to tag #byandreajanssen on Instagram! I genuinely enjoy seeing what you come up with and regularly share the most beautiful photos from my followers. Your feedback is invaluable! If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a moment to leave a rating on the recipe card below. Your ratings and reviews not only help other home cooks discover and enjoy this dish but also provide immense support to me. Thank you!
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📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
For the Tomato Soup
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1¼ pound tomatoes, quartered
- 4½ cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 sprig dried thyme
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 sprigs Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- 4 slices white bread
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 slices Gouda cheese, or Cheddar, per sandwich (total 4 slices for 2 sandwiches)
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
Tomato Soup Preparation
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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Add the finely chopped shallot to the pot and cook on low to medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent. Be careful not to brown it.1 shallot
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Ensure it doesn’t burn to avoid a bitter taste.1 clove garlic
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Add the quartered tomatoes to the pot and fry for about 1 minute. This brief frying step enhances their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.1¼ pound tomatoes
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Pour in the vegetable broth, then stir in the sugar and add the sprig of dried thyme. The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.4½ cups vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 sprig dried thyme
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Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Remove the thyme sprig. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup directly in the pot until it’s wonderfully smooth. Alternatively, transfer it in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth (be cautious with hot liquids). Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.salt and pepper
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Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley (or basil) just before serving.2 sprigs Fresh Parsley
Grilled Cheese Sandwich Preparation
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Take your bread slices and generously butter one side of each slice with softened butter. Ensure full coverage for a golden, crispy crust.4 slices white bread, 2 tablespoons butter
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Place two slices of cheese between two slices of bread, with the buttered sides facing outwards. This ensures the butter comes into contact with the pan for ultimate crispiness.2 slices Gouda cheese
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Toast the sandwich in a preheated sandwich maker until golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted and gooey. If using a pan, heat it over medium-low heat, place the sandwich in, and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until golden brown and cheese is melted. Slice diagonally and serve immediately with the hot soup.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: For a vibrant, spicy soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely diced small chili pepper along with the garlic.
- Herbaceous Twist: Swirl a tablespoon of basil pesto into your soup just before serving, or spread a thin layer of pesto or even cream cheese inside your toastie for an extra layer of flavor.
- Hearty Additions to Soup: Transform your soup into a more substantial meal by adding cooked small meatballs, shredded chicken, or a handful of cooked lentils during the last few minutes of simmering.
- Bread Choices: While white bread gives a classic feel, feel free to experiment! Multigrain, sourdough, or even a rustic artisan bread can add wonderful texture and flavor to your grilled cheese.
- Gourmet Grilled Cheese: Elevate your sandwich by adding caramelized onions, crispy bacon bits, a slice of ham, or a touch of Dijon mustard inside with the cheese. Try different cheeses like Gruyère, Provolone, or Pepper Jack for varied flavor profiles.
- Soup Toppings: Besides parsley, consider topping your soup with homemade croutons, a drizzle of good quality olive oil, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche.
2. Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator: Leftover homemade tomato soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The grilled cheese sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, as it tends to lose its crispness when stored.
- Freezer (Soup Only): Tomato soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating Soup: Gently reheat the soup in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition
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More Comforting Soup Recipes to Warm Your Soul
If this homemade tomato soup and grilled cheese combo has ignited your love for warm, comforting bowls, you’re in luck! Here are a few more delightful soup recipes from my kitchen that are sure to bring warmth and flavor to your table. Explore these options for your next cozy meal:
- Seven Delicious Soups to Get You Back on Your Feet Quickly
- Dutch Groentesoep met Balletjes (Vegetable Soup with Meatballs)
- Dutch Groninger Mosterd Soep with Leek and Bacon