Description
Herb Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
There’s nothing quite like the classic comfort of tomato soup paired with a grilled cheese, especially during the chilly season. This Herb Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup combo takes it up a notch with a touch of aromatic herbs and a hint of spice for extra warmth. Whether it’s for a cozy lunch or a simple dinner, this dish always brings that feeling of home!
4 slices of bread
4 tbsp butter, softened
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
1 cup vegetable broth
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, mix butter with dried oregano and basil.
2. Spread herb butter on one side of each bread slice.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat, place a slice of bread butter-side down, top with cheese, then another slice (butter-side up). Cook until golden and cheese is melted.
4. For the soup, combine crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, salt, and chili flakes in a pot. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Serve hot soup with the grilled cheese on the side.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Kcal: 500 kcal per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the softened butter with the dried oregano and basil until it forms a uniform, spreadable paste.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the herb butter generously on one side of all four bread slices. Place two slices butter-side down on your work surface. Evenly divide the cheddar and mozzarella cheese between them. Top with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
3. Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is deeply golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
4. Make the Soup: While the sandwiches cook, combine the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve Immediately: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Cut the grilled cheese sandwiches in half diagonally and serve alongside the soup.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, serve this classic combo with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top of the soup adds a vibrant, fresh finish. For dipping enthusiasts, serve the sandwich whole with the soup in a mug for the ultimate dunking experience.
How-to Summary
Create an herbed compound butter, assemble cheese sandwiches with it, and grill until golden. Simultaneously, simmer crushed tomatoes with broth and seasonings for a quick, flavorful soup. Serve together for the ultimate comfort food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Absolutely. Use one tablespoon of finely chopped fresh oregano and basil in the butter for a brighter flavor.
How can I make this gluten-free or vegan? For gluten-free, use your favorite GF bread. For vegan, use plant-based butter, vegan cheese shreds, and ensure your vegetable broth is vegan.
What other cheeses work well? Gouda, fontina, or provolone are excellent melting cheeses that pair wonderfully with the herbs.
Can I prepare the soup ahead of time? Yes, the soup can be made 2-3 days in advance and reheated. The flavors often improve overnight.
My cheese isn’t melting before the bread burns. What can I do? Lower your heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid for a minute. This traps steam to help melt the cheese without over-browning the bread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using high heat to grill the sandwich, which burns the butter before the cheese melts.
- Using bread that’s too thin, which can become soggy or tear under the weight of the cheese.
- Overcrowding the soup pot, which prevents proper simmering and flavor development.
- Not tasting and seasoning the soup at the end of cooking. Always adjust salt and pepper before serving.
- Using cold butter, which tears the bread. Ensure it is properly softened for easy spreading.
Conclusion
This Herb Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup recipe elevates a timeless comfort duo with minimal extra effort. The aromatic herbs in the butter and the gentle spice in the soup create a deeply satisfying and cozy meal perfect for any chilly day. It’s a simple, reliable recipe that proves classic flavors, when treated with a little care, can always feel new and exciting.