A cozy, soul-warming duo, this grilled cheese paired with creamy tomato soup is the perfect comfort food. With its rich, cheesy sandwich and velvety tomato bisque, it’s an effortless meal that feels both indulgent and reassuring.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and nostalgic – It recalls childhood favorites, elevated with gourmet grilled cheese using ciabatta and Gouda.
Bright and creamy tomato soup – The fresh, roasted tomato flavor is balanced with basil and cream, making every sip soothing.
Simple yet sophisticated – Easy to pull together with minimal ingredients, yet offers impressive homemade charm.
Quick weeknight win – Ready in under 20 minutes, ideal when you want something satisfying without the fuss.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

2 slices Ciabatta bread
4 slices Gouda cheese
1 tablespoon salted butter

Tomato Soup

4 tomatoes, halved
5 basil leaves
30 ml heavy cream
15 ml extra virgin olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Directions

In a saucepan, use a fine cheese grater to grate the inside of each tomato until only the skin remains.
Bring the tomato juice and pulp to a gentle boil, simmering for 3–4 minutes.
Remove from heat. Add the basil leaves, heavy cream, olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Blend using an immersion blender until smooth. Set aside and keep warm.
Butter the outside surfaces of the ciabatta bread slices. Place the Gouda cheese on the inside, assemble the sandwich with cheese between the bread.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Add the prepared sandwich, cover the pan, and cook until golden and the cheese is melted—about 2–3 minutes on each side.
Cut the grilled cheese if desired and serve immediately alongside the warm tomato soup.

Servings And Timing

Serves: 1
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: ~20 minutes

Variations

Cheese swaps: Try sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère for different flavor profiles.
Extra flavors: Add a slice of tomato or a sprinkle of pesto inside the sandwich for added moisture and flavor.
Soup enhancements: Stir in a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes are too acidic, or for a spicier kick, add a dash of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

Soup: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth texture.
Grilled Cheese: Best enjoyed fresh for crispness. If needed, reheat in a toaster oven or skillet over low heat to revive the crust while melting the cheese. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can substitute ciabatta with sourdough, whole wheat, or any bread of your preference.

2. What if I don’t have an immersion blender?

You can use a regular blender or food processor—just blend the soup in batches, then return it to the saucepan to reheat gently.

3. Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely. Swap Gouda for a plant-based cheese, use vegan butter for the sandwich, and replace heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like cashew or soy cream.

4. How can I make the soup less acidic?

Add a pinch of sugar or a small chopped carrot while simmering to balance acidity.

5. What’s the best way to melt the cheese evenly?

Cook the sandwich on low to medium-low heat, cover the pan, and let the cheese melt slowly without burning the bread.

6. Can the grilled cheese be baked instead of pan-fried?

Yes. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), assemble the sandwich, brush with butter, and bake for 8–10 minutes until golden, flipping halfway through.

7. Is freezing either component an option?

You can freeze the tomato soup for up to 2–3 months. The grilled cheese is best fresh and not ideal for freezing.

8. How do I make this recipe for one serving?

The recipe is already scaled for one. Simply multiply the ingredients for more servings.

9. Can I add vegetables to the soup?

Yes, sautéed onions, garlic, or chopped carrots add extra flavor and depth to the soup.

10. Any tips for a crispier grilled cheese?

Use enough butter on both sides of the bread and cook slowly on medium-low heat without pressing the sandwich down.

Conclusion

This grilled cheese with tomato soup is a timeless favorite brought up a notch: creamy, fresh tomato soup paired with a crisp, cheesy sandwich that melts in your mouth. It’s quick, customizable, and deeply satisfying—perfect for cozy evenings or when you want a warm hug on a plate.

Ezabella