And the best tomato soup and grilled cheese recipes.
There’s nothing quite like crock pot tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich, it's simply the best classic comfort food. It's been warming hearts (and stomachs) for generations and brings back such great memories of my mum and I sitting around the table
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Whether you’re looking for the best tomato soup and grilled cheese recipes or simply craving a cozy meal with a fun grilled cheese stick twist, I've got you covered!
How to make your tomato soup easily (crock pot tomato soup, anyone?), and some fun ideas for sprucing up your grilled cheese sandwich. We’ll even throw in some tips for those who love slow cooker tomato and basil soup or with cream. Ready to cozy up?
Why You'll Love This Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipes.
The magic lies in the balance. The tangy, savory richness of tomato soup complements the creamy, gooey deliciousness of melted cheese. Add in the buttery (more on that later) crunch of toasted bread, and you’ve got a trifecta of texture, flavor, and memories. It’s the food equivalent of a warm hug.
But not all tomato soups are created equal. To elevate your slow cooker tomato soup, go for homemade tomato soup recipes that include high-quality canned tomatoes or fresh tomatoes.
Crock Pot Tomato Soups: Way Better than canned soup, and oh-so easy.
If you’re short on time but still want to whip up something homemade and delish, crock pot tomato soup is your best friend. Slow cookers make it easy to have all the flavors from your tomatoes, aromatics, and veggies, creating a rich, aromatic base. Slow cooker tomato and basil soup is a fabulous variation (especially in the summer when basil is going crazy in your garden) that brings an herby freshness to the mix.
For those who love all things creamy, add a splash of cream at the end of cooking to transform your soup into a luxurious bowl of goodness, often tunes tomato bisque. Tomato soup recipe with cream? Yes, please!
Grilled Cheese: The Classic or Creative way?
Gourmet Cheeses: Swap out the standard for gruyère, brie, or sharp cheddar.
Add-Ons: Think caramelized onions, crispy bacon, a dollap of sour cream, or finely shredded parmesan.
Bread Variety: Try sourdough, ciabatta, or even rye for a flavor boost.
Grilled Cheese Sticks or Croutons: Cut your sandwich into dippable strips for a fun twist, perfect for soup dipping!! To make sticks or croutons, let the sandwich cool slightly, cut off crusts and cut into squares or sticks.
You may like this Lunch Box Grilled Cheese post:)
Best Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Toppings:
If you’re looking to fancy up your tomato soup, consider toppings like grilled cheese croutons, a drizzle of aged balsamic or olive oil, or a sprinkle of fresh basil. These little things can transform your bowl into something really special.
And let’s not forget the beauty of pairing—whether you prefer dunking your grilled cheese sandwich into the soup or enjoying each bite separately, the combination is unbeatable.
FAQ
Can I make this tomato soup recipe with real tomatoes?
Absolutely. Simply substitute the real fresh tomatoes for canned in the soup. Feel free to peal them first, or for a chunkier soup and blend soup in blender…it will take some time, before adding cream, if your making a creamy tomato soup.
Can I make tomato soup in a crock pot, slow cooker OR stove top?
Yes! Crock pot tomato soup and slow cooker tomato and basil soup are two fantastic options. They’re perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a warm, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Or follow the recipe the same way only let it simmer on the stove top for an hour or so. If you need more liquid, just add more stock or cream for the desired thickness.
What’s the benefit of slow cooker tomato with basil added?
This variation uses fresh basil to add a fabulously fragrant, herby twist to your soup. Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich, and you’ve got a meal that’s both comforting and elegant.
How do I make tomato soup with cream?
Adding cream to your tomato soup recipe creates a silky, decadent texture. Stir it in at the end of cooking for the best results. Pro tip: Use heavy cream for maximum richness. Be careful using ½ and ½ or milk as it may curdle.
Grilled cheese sticks or croutons?
Grilled cheese sticks are perfect for dunking, while grilled cheese croutons add a fun crunch to your soup. Either way, you can’t go wrong. Feeling old school? Make a regular sammy:) To make grillled cheese sticks or croutons, let the sandwich cool slightly, cut off crusts and cut into squares or sticks.
What if my soup is too sour or acidic?
Use a non-reactive pot: What is a reactive pot? Reactive pots are made from materials like aluminum, copper, or unseasoned cast iron. A dutch oven is great and add more sugar and cream to taste to balance the acidity.
There you have it. An easy crock pot tomato soup (creamy or basil), and Grilled Cheese tips. Enjoy!
Crock Pot Tomato Soup
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoon butter salted or unsalted
- 2 small yellow onions or one large onion (roughly chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (bout 1 tablespoon chopped)
- 56 oz crushed or whole tomatoes two, 28-oz cans with their juice, preferably San Marzano
- 1 cup chicken stock or broth
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil plus more to serve (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar or added to taste
- ¾ teaspoon or more to taste of salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda decreases acidity
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream more or less to taste
Instructions
- Stove Top Method:
- Heat a nonreactive pot or enameled dutch oven over medium heat. (see note) Add butter then add chopped onions. Sauté 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden. Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes with their juice, chicken stock IMPORTANT: (add 2 cups of stock for stove top method), chopped basil, sugar (or add sugar to taste), and black pepper. Stir together and bring to a boil then reduce heat, partially cover with lid and simmer for 10 minutes.
- You can leave your soup with a chunky consistency, but if you like a blended/creamy soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup in the pot to desired consistency or transfer to a blender in batches and blend until smooth (being careful not to over-fill the blender with hot liquid and pulse a few times initially to get it started), then return blended soup to the crock pot.
- Optional: Add ½ cup heavy cream and ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan (optional) cheese and return to a simmer. Season to taste with salt and pepper if needed and turn off the heat.*
- Ladle into warm bowls and top with more parmesan and chopped fresh basil.
Slow Cooker Method
- Add all ingredients except cream and basil to the crock pot.
- If using whole tomatoes, I use a potato masher to break the tomatoes up a bit.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high 3-4 hours.
- Purée the soup with an immersion blender, or carefully purée it in 3 to 4 batches with a regular blender and return it to the slow cooker.
- Stir and add heavy cream, parmesan and basil if using. Add the cream gradually, you may not want it as creamy as I like it.
- Taste: Add more salt until it tastes delish. Add more pepper if desired.
- Serve with classic grilled cheese, grilled cheese croutons or sticks.
Notes
- San Marzanos are different than other types of tomatoes. These plum tomatoes are grown in a certain part of Italy and are renowned for their sweet flavor and mild acidity. While only those grown in Italy get the name San Marzano, you’ll find plenty of excellent San Marzano-style tomatoes that taste just as delicious. But be careful they are all not created equal. The canned tomatoes
- Why add baking soda in your tomato soup: Not only will this make the tomatoes taste less acidic (good news if your tomatoes turned out more tart than you expected), but it also means that you can now add milk to your soup without risking curdling it. Per FOOD 52
- Non-Reactive Pans: Aluminum, cast iron, and copper are all “reactive.” Stainless steel, ceramic, glass, and metal cookware with enamel coating are all “nonreactive.”
