Roasted Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Duo

Introduction

Experience the perfect harmony of flavors with this Roasted Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese – a match made in comfort food heaven. Imagine sweet, caramelized roasted tomatoes blended into a velvety soup with aromatic herbs, paired with golden, buttery grilled cheese sandwiches oozing with melted goodness. This classic combination gets elevated with deep roasted flavors and chef-approved techniques for the creamiest soup and crunchiest sandwich.

Why This Combo Beats All Others

Depth of flavor – roasting intensifies the tomatoes’ sweetness
Perfect textural contrast – silky soup meets crispy sandwich
Restaurant-quality at home with simple ingredients
Nostalgic yet sophisticated – childhood favorite made elegant

The magic happens when the natural sugars in the tomatoes caramelize during roasting, creating a rich, complex base that canned soup can’t match, while the grilled cheese provides the ideal salty, crunchy counterpart.

Ingredients for Soup & Sandwich Perfection

For the Roasted Tomato Soup

• 3 lbs ripe tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripened)
• 1 large onion (quartered)
• 6 garlic cloves (peeled)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• ½ cup fresh basil
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional)

For the Ultimate Grilled Cheese

• 8 slices artisan bread (sourdough or country loaf)
• 8 oz sharp cheddar (sliced)
• 2 oz Gruyère (shredded)
• 4 tbsp butter (room temperature)
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise (for extra crispness)

Chef’s Tip: Use a mix of tomato varieties for complex flavor

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Roast the Tomatoes

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
2. Halve tomatoes and arrange cut-side up on baking sheet
3. Add onion quarters and garlic cloves
4. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sugar, salt, and pepper
5. Roast 45 minutes until caramelized

2. Make the Soup Base

1. Transfer roasted vegetables to pot, including juices
2. Add stock and basil, simmer 20 minutes
3. Blend until smooth (immersion blender works best)
4. Stir in cream if using, adjust seasoning

3. Prepare Grilled Cheese

1. Mix cheeses and divide between 4 bread slices
2. Spread outside of sandwiches with butter-mayo blend
3. Cook in skillet over medium-low heat 3-4 minutes per side
4. Press lightly with spatula for even browning

4. Serve with Style

1. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil
2. Cut sandwiches diagonally for dipping
3. Serve immediately while piping hot

Professional Tips for Best Results

Concentrate flavor by roasting tomatoes cut-side up
Combine cheeses for optimal melt and flavor
Low and slow for golden, not burnt, sandwiches
Add fresh basil after blending for brightest flavor

Serving Suggestions

Cozy Presentation:

• Serve in wide, shallow bowls for dipping
• Garnish soup with croutons or a cheese crisp
• Add small bowl of tomato soup for dunking

Perfect Pairings:

• Crisp green salad
• Pickle spears
• Chilled white wine

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the roasting pan (steams instead of roasts)
Using cold butter on bread (burns before cheese melts)
Boiling after adding cream (may curdle)
Skimping on roasting time (lacks depth)

Creative Variations

For Different Tastes:

• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes to soup
• Italian twist: Use mozzarella and pesto in sandwich
• Smoky flavor: Include roasted red peppers in soup

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned tomatoes?
A: Fresh is best, but drained fire-roasted canned tomatoes work in a pinch.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Soup keeps 4 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen. Sandwiches best fresh.

Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Use olive oil instead of butter, vegan cheese, and coconut milk.

Q: Why add mayonnaise?
A: Creates an incredibly crisp, golden crust without burning.

Conclusion

This Roasted Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese elevates the classic diner duo into a gourmet experience. The deep, caramelized flavors of the soup paired with the perfectly crisp, cheesy sandwich create a comfort food symphony that’s both nostalgic and sophisticated.

Final Chef’s Secret: For next-level flavor, rub the toasted bread with a raw garlic clove before assembling sandwiches. The combination of sweet roasted tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and rich melted cheese makes this the ultimate cold-weather comfort meal!

Roasted Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Duo

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• Author: Lara Smith
• Total Time: 1 Hour

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Description

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Roasted Tomato Soup paired with a classic Grilled Cheese. This homemade soup is rich in flavor and perfect for a cozy meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 pounds ripe tomatoes, halved

1 large onion, quartered

4 cloves garlic, peeled

3 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

4 cups vegetable broth

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)

Grilled Cheese:

8 slices of your favorite bread

4 tablespoons butter, softened

8 slices cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

 

Roast the vegetables: Place the halved tomatoes, quartered onion, and garlic cloves on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.

 

Blend the soup: Transfer the roasted vegetables to a large pot. Add the vegetable broth, chopped basil, tomato paste, and sugar if using. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches using a regular blender, then return to the pot.

 

Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream if using. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Keep warm on low heat.

 

Prepare the grilled cheese: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place a slice of cheese between two slices of bread, buttered side out. Repeat for the remaining sandwiches.

 

Cook the sandwiches: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.

 

Serve: Ladle the roasted tomato soup into bowls and serve with the grilled cheese sandwiches on the side.

 

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Notes

Roasted Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food pairing. The rich, flavorful soup and gooey grilled cheese make for a satisfying and nostalgic meal that’s perfect for any day.