If you are craving the ultimate cozy comfort food combo, look no further than this Easy Tomato Soup with Melted Cheese Grilled Sandwich Recipe. Imagine rich, roasted tomato soup that is silky and bursting with deep flavor alongside a golden, crispy grilled cheese sandwich oozing with melted mozzarella and sharp cheddar—pure bliss on a plate. This pairing is perfect for chilly days, quick dinners, or anytime you want to indulge in a classic that never goes out of style. The magic lies in roasting fresh tomatoes and peppers to develop that incredible homemade depth, then finishing the soup with a touch of cream for extra smoothness. Paired with a perfectly toasted, cheesy sandwich, this meal feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white rectangular baking dish holds a colorful mix of fresh vegetables. There are two large red bell peppers placed diagonally opposite each other, along with two white onions near the edges. Four smooth red tomatoes and several small round cherry tomatoes in red and yellow fill the space between. In the center, a whole garlic bulb rests on top of the cherry tomatoes, all sprinkled with coarse black pepper and bits of seasoning. The dish sits on a green and white checkered cloth on a white marbled surface, with a white pumpkin and red salt and pepper shakers in the blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe starts with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have, yet each plays a crucial role in building layered textures and mouthwatering flavors. Roasting the veggies brings out their natural sweetness while herbs and broth create a silky base for the soup. The cheese and bread combination is all about melty richness and that satisfying crunch.

Ripe tomatoes (1 ½ lbs): Use fresh or quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano for a naturally sweet, juicy base.
Balsamic vinegar (1 tbsp): Adds subtle acidity for balanced richness.
Olive oil (3 tbsp): Helps roast the veggies to caramelized perfection and adds smoothness.
Sugar (½ tbsp): Enhances the tomatoes’ natural sweetness and cuts the acidity.
Salt (2 tsp plus more to taste): Essential to bring out every flavor layer.
Onion (1, halved): Adds aromatic depth and savoriness once roasted.
Red bell pepper (1, halved): Brings sweetness and color to the soup.
Head of garlic: Roasted garlic turns mellow, nutty, and perfect for blending.
Fresh basil leaves (½ cup): Offers fresh, herbaceous brightness.
Tomato paste (2 tsp): Concentrates tomato flavor for richness.
Vegetable or chicken broth (4 cups): Creates a warm, savory soup base.
Cream (½ cup): Makes the soup luscious and velvety.
Fresh basil for serving: Adds a fresh, fragrant touch on top.
Bread slices (2 per sandwich): Choose your favorite sandwich bread that crisps nicely.
Mozzarella (2 cups, grated): Smooth, stretchy cheese for ultimate meltiness.
Sharp cheddar (2 cups, grated): Adds tang and depth to the grilled cheese.
Butter or mayonnaise: Used to toast the bread to golden, crispy perfection.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Easy Tomato Soup with Melted Cheese Grilled Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). Place the ripe tomatoes, halved onion, red bell pepper (cut side down), and the whole head of garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar generously over everything, then sprinkle sugar and salt on top. Toss gently to coat all the vegetables in this flavorful mix. Pop it in the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes until the veggies are caramelized and tender. This roasting step is the secret to achieving a deep, naturally sweet soup base with layers of flavor that will blow you away.

Step 2: Blend the Soup Base

Once roasted and slightly cooled, transfer the vegetables into a blender. Add tomato paste and fresh basil leaves for bright, herby notes. Blend everything until perfectly smooth. This puree is your rich and velvety tomato soup base that’s about to get even better.

Step 3: Simmer and Season

Pour the blended soup into a pot and add your choice of vegetable or chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer over low heat and cover for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to marry and intensify beautifully. After simmering, remove from heat and stir in the cream to achieve that luscious, silky texture. Taste and adjust salt and black pepper to your preference.

Step 4: Prepare the Melted Cheese Grilled Sandwich

While the soup is keeping warm, mix grated mozzarella and sharp cheddar in a bowl for the perfect cheese blend. Generously pile about half a cup of cheese between two slices of bread. Butter or spread mayonnaise on both outer sides—this ensures a golden, crispy finish. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook your sandwich until the bread is toasted to a beautiful golden brown and the cheese inside is irresistibly melted and gooey. Flip gently to get even crispness on both sides.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the warm tomato soup into bowls and drizzle with a little extra cream. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for that vibrant finishing touch. Serve alongside the grilled cheese sandwich for a classic pairing that never disappoints. Dig in while everything is still warm, and savor the cozy, comforting flavors.

How to Serve Easy Tomato Soup with Melted Cheese Grilled Sandwich Recipe

A golden-brown toasted sandwich sits in a black pan on a white marbled surface. The sandwich has two slices of bread with a crispy texture and a slightly darker crust. Inside, there are visible layers of melted cheese that is bright orange and smooth, along with slices of light pink meat. The pan shows a little bit of oil around the sandwich, adding a slight shine to the bread. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling fresh basil leaves on your tomato soup right before serving truly elevates its aroma and freshness. A swirl of cream or a touch of cracked black pepper adds attractive contrast and richness. Sometimes a pinch of chili flakes can bring an exciting kick that complements the mild sweetness of the soup beautifully.

Side Dishes

If you want to round out this meal, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing companion. Alternatively, crunchy pickles or roasted garlic croutons tossed into the soup add delightful texture highs. However, the soup and melted cheese grilled sandwich are so flavorful and filling that you really don’t need much else!

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the soup in rustic mugs for a casual, cozy vibe. Cut the grilled cheese sandwiches into halves or quarters and serve them stacked or in a bread basket alongside the soup bowl. Adding a few cherry tomatoes or a sprig of basil on the side plate also adds a pretty pop of color. Presentation that’s simple yet inviting makes this comforting meal feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Easy Tomato Soup with Melted Cheese Grilled Sandwich Recipe can be partially made ahead. Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the grilled cheese, it’s best fresh, but you can prepare the sandwiches un-toasted and refrigerate them for a day before cooking.

Freezing

The tomato soup freezes beautifully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator—avoid freezing the grilled cheese sandwich as melted cheese and toasted bread won’t retain their wonderful texture after freezing.

Reheating

Reheat the tomato soup gently over low to medium heat, stirring often. Gradually add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much. For the grilled cheese, re-toast in a skillet on medium heat or use a toaster oven to revive its golden crispness before serving.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?

Absolutely! High-quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano are perfect and often preferred for convenience and consistent flavor. Just be sure to include their juices when roasting for maximum richness.

What kind of bread works best for the grilled cheese?

A sturdy yet soft bread like sourdough, white sandwich bread, or a rustic country loaf works best. These breads crisp nicely on the outside while holding the melted cheese well without getting soggy.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Definitely! Use vegetable broth, substitute the cream with coconut or cashew cream, and replace the cheeses with your favorite vegan cheese alternatives. Use olive oil instead of butter for grilling the sandwich.

Can I prepare the soup and sandwich at different times?

Yes! The tomato soup can be made ahead and reheated when ready to serve. Grilled cheese sandwiches are best freshly cooked to maintain their crisp texture and melty cheese inside.

How do I keep the grilled cheese sandwich from being greasy?

Using butter or mayonnaise sparingly on the outer sides of the bread helps you get that golden crust without excess greasiness. Cooking over medium heat ensures the bread crisps without absorbing too much fat.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Tomato Soup with Melted Cheese Grilled Sandwich Recipe is one of those timeless comfort foods that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights, feeding hungry kids, or simply craving something cozy, this duo never fails to hit the spot. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this deliciously simple dish—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!

Easy Tomato Soup with Melted Cheese Grilled Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Easy Tomato Soup with Melted Cheese Grilled Sandwich Recipe