There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, creamy tomato soup paired with a perfectly golden, melty grilled cheese. This Tomato Soup with Cheesy Grilled Sandwich Recipe is exactly that cozy combo, one that feels like a hug on a plate and always hits the spot on chilly days.

A bowl filled with smooth, thick orange-red tomato soup, topped with a small swirl of cream and tiny black pepper specks, with two small green basil leaves sitting near the center. A piece of toasted golden-brown grilled cheese bread is being dipped into the soup by a woman's hand from the top right corner. The bowl sits on a white speckled plate next to a piece of grilled bread, a silver spoon with a wooden handle, and a sprig of fresh green basil leaves on a white marbled surface. A light gray cloth is placed under the plate to the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Tomato Soup with Cheesy Grilled Sandwich Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Tomato Soup with Cheesy Grilled Sandwich Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Tomato Soup with Cheesy Grilled Sandwich Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Tomato Soup with Cheesy Grilled Sandwich Recipe has been my go-to for comforting meals since I first made it on a rainy afternoon. It’s not just about the taste, but the nostalgic joy of dipping that crispy grilled cheese into creamy tomato soup. Every step feels doable, and every bite feels rewarding.

Classic Comfort Food: It’s the ultimate combo of flavors that remind you of cozy childhood afternoons.
Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples that come together into something way better than their parts.
Perfectly Balanced: Rich, creamy soup paired with melty, cheesy toast that’s crispy on the outside and gooey inside.
Customizable and Easy: Whether stovetop or oven, you can tweak it to your liking without stress.

A white speckled round plate holds a beige bowl filled with smooth, bright orange tomato soup. The soup has a swirl of cream and is topped with a small pile of shredded white cheese and fresh green basil leaves in the center. The bowl sits on the right side of the plate, while two toasted golden-brown grilled cheese sandwiches are placed stacked slightly overlapping on the left side. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered on the white marbled surface around the plate, alongside a light gray cloth napkin. In the background, there is a brown bowl with more shredded cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in creating that smooth, rich tomato soup and the perfectly cheesed sandwich. Shopping for the freshest onion and good quality bread really makes a difference, plus the mix of cheddar and mozzarella is what gives the grilled cheese its gooey yet flavorful punch.

Flat lay of fresh whole yellow onion with papery skin, several peeled garlic cloves, a small mound of pale all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a few tablespoons of pale yellow unsalted butter in a small white bowl, a small white bowl filled with vibrant red crushed tomatoes, another small white bowl with thick dark red tomato paste, a small white bowl containing creamy white heavy whipping cream, a piece of pale off-white parmesan rind, a few grinds of black peppercorns scattered near a small white bowl of fine salt crystals, two rustic slices of golden crusted sourdough bread, two slices of pale yellow white cheddar cheese, two slices of fresh white mozzarella cheese, and a small white bowl with golden extra virgin olive oil, all arranged symmetrically and spaced evenly, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Allows you to control seasoning and gives the soup and sandwich a creamy, luscious base.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed gently.
Minced Garlic: Just a hint for that warm aromatic lift.
All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a thickener, giving the soup a smooth, velvety texture.
Vegetable Broth: Adds savory richness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Canned Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of the soup, providing natural sweetness and acidity.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies tomato flavor without extra liquid.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Brings luxurious creaminess that makes this soup so comforting.
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
Parmesan Rind (Optional): Adds subtle umami and richness when simmered in the soup.
Sourdough Bread: Its tangy flavor and sturdy texture hold up perfectly to grilling and cheesy heaven.
White Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese: A delicious cheese duo that melts beautifully and offers flavor plus stretchiness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Tomato Soup with Cheesy Grilled Sandwich Recipe depending on the mood or ingredients on hand. It’s a flexible base, so feel free to make it extra smoky, a bit more garlicky, or swap cheeses to suit your taste.

Variation: I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika to the soup for a subtle smoky undertone — makes it super cozy on cold days.
Dietary Modifications: You can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream to make it dairy-free and still get that creamy vibe.
Extra Veggies: Roasted red peppers or carrots stirred into the soup give a sweeter, richer profile.
Different Bread: Whole wheat or rye bread works well too if you prefer a more rustic, earthy flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tomato Soup with Cheesy Grilled Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics to Build the Base

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. As soon as it’s melted and shimmering, toss in the chopped onion. Stir often and cook until the onion is soft and translucent — about 2 minutes. This gentle cooking pulls out a natural sweetness that really rounds out the soup. Add the minced garlic and cook just until you can smell its fragrance — about 20 seconds. Keep an eye on it here, garlic burns easily and will add a bitter taste if overcooked.

Step 2: Add Flour and Liquids for the Creamy Texture

Turn the heat to low and add the flour. Stir constantly while adding a splash of your broth to form a smooth paste. This roux is what thickens your soup perfectly. Slowly pour in the remaining vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and if you're using it, the parmesan rind. Stir everything well and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes while you stir occasionally — this softens the tomato’s acidity and lets flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Blend Until Velvety Smooth

Once it’s thickened nicely, fish out the parmesan rind if you added it. Then, time to blend! I use an immersion blender right in the pot — it’s super convenient and fast. Blend the soup until it’s silky smooth and creamy without lumps. If you don’t have one, pour the soup in batches into a standing blender, but be careful to vent it properly since the soup is hot to avoid any splatter surprises.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Season

Bring the soup back to the stove on low and gently stir in your heavy cream. This is the magic touch that transforms simple tomato soup into a luscious treat. Taste carefully and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as you go — I often find it needs just a pinch more salt after blending.

Step 5: Assemble and Grill the Cheese Sandwich

While the soup simmers, let’s get that cheesy sandwich going. Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of sourdough bread — this is what creates that golden, crispy crust. Place one slice, butter side down, in a preheated skillet over medium heat. Layer your cheeses on top — I love combining sharp white cheddar with gooey mozzarella for the best melt and flavor combo. Top with the other slice of bread, butter side up.

Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, checking often for a perfect light golden brown. Flip carefully and repeat on the other side. If your cheese isn’t fully melting by then, pop the sandwich back in the pan on low heat with the lid on for another minute per side — patience here pays off with that truly gooey center.

Top Tip

From countless times making this Tomato Soup with Cheesy Grilled Sandwich Recipe, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make it foolproof and even better every time. These tips have saved me from overcooked soup or unevenly grilled sandwiches more times than I can count.

Sauté Gently: Cooking the onions low and slow brings out sweetness without burning – this is key for a smooth soup flavor.
Don’t Rush the Roux: Whisk your flour with broth constantly to avoid lumps and ensure a creamy base for your soup.
Use a Lid on the Grill: Covering your grilled cheese while cooking traps heat, helping cheese melt evenly without burning the bread.
Check Cheese Melt Before Serving: Cut the sandwich at the center; if cheese isn’t fully melted, pop it back on the stove for a minute or two.

How to Serve Tomato Soup with Cheesy Grilled Sandwich Recipe

tomato soup with grilled cheese - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like a simple drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil on top of the soup right before serving – it adds a lush finish. A sprinkle of shredded parmesan or freshly cracked black pepper adds a tasty pop and makes it look pretty too.

Side Dishes

Honestly, this combo is so filling, I usually keep sides light — a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully and adds a fresh crunch that balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to cut the grilled cheese into bite-sized cubes and serve alongside shot glasses filled with soup for a fun, interactive appetizer vibe. It’s a hit with guests and turns a humble meal into something festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor actually deepens after a day, making for an even tastier lunch the next day. Keep the grilled cheese separate wrapped in foil or parchment paper to avoid it soaking moisture from the soup.

Freezing

I sometimes freeze the tomato soup in portion-sized containers. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and heat gently on the stove. I don’t recommend freezing the grilled cheese sandwich — it loses its crispness and gooey appeal.

Reheating

Reheat soup on the stove gently, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. For leftover grilled cheese, pop it in a skillet on medium heat for a couple of minutes per side to restore crispness and melt cheese, rather than using the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You can, but it will require peeling and cooking them down longer to achieve the right texture and flavor. Canned crushed tomatoes are convenient, consistent, and deliver the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity for this soup.

What’s the best way to get a perfectly gooey grilled cheese sandwich?

Use a mix of cheeses that melt well, like mozzarella and cheddar. Also, butter your bread evenly and cook on medium heat with a lid on to trap the heat, allowing the cheese to melt without burning the bread.

Can I make the soup vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for olive oil, use a plant-based cream alternative like coconut or cashew cream, and choose vegan cheese or skip the grilled cheese altogether.

How do I prevent the soup from being too acidic?

Simmering the soup for at least 15 minutes helps mellow the acidity of the tomatoes. Adding a bit of heavy cream also balances the flavors. If it’s still sharp, a pinch of sugar can help round it out.

Final Thoughts

This Tomato Soup with Cheesy Grilled Sandwich Recipe has such a special place in my heart because of its simplicity and soul-soothing flavor. I hope you’ll try it on a day when you need a little kitchen comfort or want to impress with a meal that feels like a warm embrace. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight but lovely enough to share with friends or family anytime.