Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers

A classic American comfort pairing, tomato soup with grilled cheese has long ruled lunch counters and weeknight tables alike. Cream-smoothed crushed tomatoes meet crisp cheddar dippers made for dunking.

Serves 4

Estimate for one serving

• 620 cal
• 18.5g protein
• 48g carbs
• 41g fat
• 6g fiber

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 medium (about 1 cup chopped) yellow onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 (28-oz) cans crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 8 slices white sandwich bread
• 8 slices cheddar cheese slices
• 4 tbsp butter for grilling

Instructions

1. 1Peel and finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
2. 2Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 6-7 minutes.
3. 3Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. 4Pour in the two cans of crushed tomatoes (with their juice), broth, sugar, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
5. 5Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. 6While the soup simmers, prepare the grilled cheese: Lay out slices of bread. Place slices of cheddar on each. Top with the remaining slices of bread to form 4 sandwiches.
7. 7Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich (both sides).
8. 8Cook the sandwiches in the skillet (in batches if needed) for 3-4 minutes per side until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted. Remove and let cool slightly.
9. 9Use a sharp knife to cut each grilled cheese sandwich into 4 narrow strips (dippers).
10. 10Remove the soup from heat. Stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
11. 11For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot (or carefully transfer to a blender in batches).
12. 12Ladle soup into bowls. Serve immediately with 4 grilled cheese dippers per serving for dunking.