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In the realm of comfort food, few combinations evoke warmth and nostalgia quite like that of tomato soup paired with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich. This timeless duo has graced kitchen tables across generations, providing solace on chilly nights and serving as a quick remedy for the soul. The simplicity of a warm bowl of tomato soup, complemented by the gooey, melty goodness of cheese sandwiched between perfectly toasted bread, creates an experience that is both fulfilling and delightful. Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to the Tomato Bliss & Cheesy Melt—a dish that elevates this classic combination with a rich, creamy tomato basil soup and a gourmet twist on the traditional grilled cheese.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Tomato Bliss & Cheesy Melt, a delightful take on the classic pairing of tomato soup and grilled cheese. This dish features a rich, creamy tomato basil soup made with fresh ingredients, harmonizing sweet and tangy flavors. Accompanying it is a perfectly crispy grilled cheese sandwich, customizable with your favorite cheeses. Perfect for any meal, this nostalgic combination brings warmth and joy with every bite, making it an ideal choice on chilly days or when craving a cozy dish.

Ingredients
  

For the Creamy Tomato Basil Soup:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

3 cups vegetable broth

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup heavy cream

Fresh basil leaves for garnishing

For the Grilled Cheese Sandwich:

4 slices of crusty bread (such as sourdough or ciabatta)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

8 ounces cheddar cheese, sliced (or your favorite cheese)

Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder or herbes de Provence for extra flavor

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tomato Basil Soup:

    - In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

      - Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional minute, stirring continuously to prevent burning and to allow the garlic to release its fragrant aroma.

        - Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the vegetable broth. Stir in the sugar, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to help the flavors meld together.

          - After simmering, use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer batches of the soup to a traditional blender, purée, and return it to the pot.

            - Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Heat through for an additional 5 minutes, making sure the soup does not boil. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

              Make the Grilled Cheese Sandwich:

                - Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. While it heats, spread softened butter generously on one side of each slice of bread.

                  - Once the skillet is ready, place two slices of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet. On each slice, layer two ounces of your chosen cheese.

                    - Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up. Cook until the bottom bread slices turn golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwiches over and cook the other side until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and toasted, about another 3-4 minutes.

                      - For extra flavor, sprinkle garlic powder or herbes de Provence on the buttered side of the bread before grilling.

                        Serve:

                          - Ladle the creamy tomato basil soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch.

                            - Slice the grilled cheese sandwiches diagonally and arrange them on the side, perfect for dipping into the warm soup.

                              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4