Homemade Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty: Easy
Description
Nothing beats the comfort of a bowl of homemade tomato soup paired with a crispy, golden grilled cheese sandwich. Roasting fresh tomatoes, onion, and garlic brings out their natural sweetness and creates a rich, velvety soup with incredible depth of flavor. Blended until smooth and served alongside buttery grilled cheese, this classic meal is perfect for cozy evenings, rainy days, or whenever you’re craving comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Tomato Soup
- 5–6 ripe tomatoes, halved
- 1 large purple (red) onion, peeled and quartered
- 1–2 heads garlic, tops sliced off
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional, for a creamy soup)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Grilled Cheese
- 8 slices sourdough or country bread
- 8 slices cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or your favorite cheese
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the tomatoes, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Roast for 35–40 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and lightly caramelized and the garlic is tender.
Step 2: Blend the Soup
Allow the garlic to cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted cloves from their skins into a blender.
Add the roasted tomatoes, onion, broth, tomato paste (if using), Italian seasoning, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Blend until completely smooth.
Step 3: Simmer
Pour the blended soup into a large pot and simmer over medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes. Stir in the cream if using, then taste and adjust the seasoning.
Step 4: Make the Grilled Cheese
Butter one side of each bread slice.
Place one slice, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat. Add cheese, top with another slice of bread (butter-side up), and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.
Step 5: Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve immediately with crispy grilled cheese for dipping.
Tips
- Use ripe tomatoes for the sweetest, richest flavor.
- Roasting the garlic makes it mellow and slightly sweet.
- Blend carefully while the vegetables are warm.
- Add fresh basil after blending for extra freshness.
- For an ultra-smooth soup, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve.
Recipe Notes
- Vegetable broth keeps the soup vegetarian.
- Heavy cream is optional but creates a richer texture.
- Add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes are especially tart.
- Try smoked cheddar or Gruyère for an extra flavorful grilled cheese.
Variations
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Add extra fresh basil and a splash of heavy cream.
Spicy Tomato Soup
Blend in a roasted jalapeño or increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Soup
Roast one red bell pepper with the vegetables and blend it into the soup.
Herb Parmesan Soup
Stir freshly grated Parmesan into the soup just before serving.
Protein Boost
Top with shredded rotisserie chicken or white beans for a heartier meal.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition (Soup Only, Per Serving)
- Calories: 165
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
Nutrition values are approximate and do not include the grilled cheese sandwich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave the tomato skins on?
Yes. After roasting and blending, the skins become very soft and blend smoothly.
Do I have to use cream?
No. The soup is delicious without cream and has a lighter texture.
What’s the best cheese for grilled cheese?
Cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, provolone, Monterey Jack, or a combination all melt beautifully.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes. Whole peeled canned tomatoes can be substituted when fresh tomatoes aren’t in season.
Conclusion
This Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort meal. Sweet roasted tomatoes, caramelized onions, and mellow garlic create a rich, flavorful soup that’s perfectly paired with a crispy, cheesy sandwich. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re simply craving a cozy homemade dinner, this timeless combination is always a winner.