Ooey-Gooey Melty Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup

Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a comforting classic? This dish combines the irresistible charm of a grilled cheese sandwich with the rich goodness of tomato soup. It’s the perfect recipe for a cozy meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Let’s dive into the steps to create this heartwarming combination!

Description:
The grilled cheese features layers of gooey melted cheese between slices of golden, crispy bread. The tomato soup is creamy and flavorful, offering a delightful companion to your sandwich. This pairing is ideal for a comforting lunch, dinner, or anytime you need a warm hug in a bowl and sandwich.

Ingredients:

For the Grilled Cheese

4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough or country white works well)
4 tablespoons butter, softened
4 slices of cheddar cheese
2 slices of mozzarella cheese (optional)
Salt, to taste

For the Tomato Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (28 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

Making the Tomato Soup

In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the whole peeled tomatoes (with their juice) and the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth.
Return the blended soup to the pot, stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Simmer for another 5 minutes. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Making the Grilled Cheese

Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice of cheddar cheese on the unbuttered side of two of the bread slices. Add a slice of mozzarella if using, and top each with another slice of cheddar. Place the other bread slices on top, buttered side out.
Place the sandwiches in the preheated skillet. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt, about 3-4 minutes per side. Press down lightly with a spatula while cooking to ensure even melting.
Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool slightly before cutting them in half.

Serving