Some flavor combinations are so perfect they become iconic, and tomato soup with grilled cheese is the ultimate example. This recipe takes the beloved pairing to the next level by floating crispy grilled cheese croutons directly in your bowl. Each spoonful brings creamy tomato soup with melty, crunchy bites of cheesy goodness. It's pure comfort food genius.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic is in the contrast. Silky smooth tomato soup meets crispy, buttery bread and gooey melted cheese. Instead of dunking a sandwich into soup, you get that perfect bite in every spoonful. The grilled cheese croutons soak up just enough soup to soften slightly while maintaining their golden crust. It's the best of both worlds.
Building the Perfect Soup
This tomato soup is intentionally simple so the grilled cheese can shine. Crushed tomatoes simmered with aromatics create a smooth, flavorful base. A touch of sugar balances the tomatoes' acidity, while cream adds luxurious richness. The soup should be silky but not too thick—you want it to swirl around those croutons.
Step-by-Step Guide
Start the soup first since it needs to simmer. Soften onion and garlic in butter and olive oil, then add tomatoes and broth. While the soup simmers, make your grilled cheese sandwiches. Cook them until deeply golden and perfectly melted inside.
Blend the soup smooth, stir in cream, and season to taste. Cut the grilled cheese into generous cubes—about 1 inch is ideal. Ladle hot soup into bowls and immediately top with croutons. Serve right away while the croutons are still crispy.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is a meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad for balance. Some folks like extra croutons on the side for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds color and freshness. For parties, serve in mugs with a single grilled cheese crouton as a fun appetizer.
Variations to Try
- Bacon grilled cheese: Add crispy bacon to the sandwiches before grilling
- Three-cheese: Use cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan in the croutons
- Pesto swirl: Drizzle basil pesto over the soup before adding croutons
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes to the soup and pepper jack to the sandwiches
Tomato Grilled Cheese Soup
Nutrition (per serving)
Ingredients
For the Soup:
For the Grilled Cheese Croutons:
Instructions
- Start the soup. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Simmer. Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth. Add dried basil and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Make grilled cheese. While soup simmers, butter bread slices on the outside. Layer cheddar between slices and cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Blend and finish. Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth. Stir in cream and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve. Cut grilled cheese sandwiches into 1-inch cubes. Ladle soup into bowls and top generously with grilled cheese croutons.
Recipe Notes
- Add croutons just before serving to keep them crispy
- Use room-temperature butter for even browning on the grilled cheese
- Soup can be made ahead; make croutons fresh when serving
Frequently Asked Questions
What cheese is best for grilled cheese croutons?
Sharp cheddar is classic and melts beautifully. American cheese creates gooey croutons, while a mix of cheddar and gruyere adds sophistication. Avoid pre-shredded cheese—it doesn't melt as smoothly.
How do I keep grilled cheese croutons crispy?
Add the croutons just before serving so they don't get soggy. For extra crunch, let the sandwiches cool for a minute before cutting, and cut into larger 1-inch cubes.
What bread works best for grilled cheese croutons?
Sourdough is ideal—it crisps well and holds up in soup. Brioche adds richness, while sturdy white bread is a classic choice. Avoid thin sandwich bread which gets soggy quickly.
Can I make the soup ahead of time?
Yes! The soup portion stores well for 3-4 days refrigerated. Make the grilled cheese croutons fresh just before serving for the best texture.
How can I make this vegetarian?
Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The rest of the recipe is already vegetarian. For vegan, use plant-based butter, non-dairy cheese, and coconut cream.