🛒 Ingredients
For the Grilled Cheese:
- 🍞 4 slices of sourdough bread
- 🧈 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 🧀 4 slices of cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
- 🧂 Optional: A pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs for the butter
For the Tomato Soup:
- 🍅 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
- 🧅 1 medium onion, diced
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍅 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes
- 🥣 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 🥛 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 🌿 1 tsp dried basil or oregano
- 🧂 Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 🌿 Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish
🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Tomato Soup
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the Tomatoes:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, broth, and dried basil or oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Blend and Finish:
- Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches). Stir in the heavy cream and adjust seasoning as needed. Keep warm while preparing the grilled cheese.
Prepare the Grilled Cheese
- Butter the Bread:
- Spread softened butter on one side of each sourdough slice. For extra flavor, mix garlic powder or dried herbs into the butter before spreading.
- Assemble the Sandwich:
- Place a slice of cheese between two bread slices, with the buttered sides facing out.
- Cook the Sandwich:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve and Garnish
- Plate the Combo:
- Ladle the tomato soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve with the grilled cheese sandwiches cut into halves or quarters for easy dipping.
💡 Tips and Variations
- 🧄 Cheesy Upgrade: Add mozzarella or Gruyère for a gooey cheese blend.
- 🌶️ Spicy Twist: Add a dash of red chili flakes to the tomato soup for heat.
- 🥓 Add Protein: Include crispy bacon or sliced ham in the grilled cheese.
- 🌱 Herbal Boost: Stir fresh basil or thyme into the soup before serving.
🍹 Serving Suggestions
Pair this comforting combo with a light green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For an indulgent touch, serve with a side of garlic croutons or a dollop of sour cream in the soup.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Sourdough Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup is the perfect marriage of crisp, buttery bread and creamy, flavorful soup. This timeless pairing delivers nostalgia and satisfaction, ideal for chilly days, quick dinners, or cozy weekend lunches.
