There’s something incredibly comforting about pairing a warm bowl of tomato soup with a perfectly melty grilled cheese sandwich. This Tomato Soup with Melted Cheese Sandwich Recipe brings that nostalgic feeling right to your kitchen, with creamy soup and ooey-gooey sandwiches that are just the right balance of rich and fresh.

A bowl of smooth, bright orange tomato soup sits in the center of a large white speckled plate. The soup has a swirl of oil and bits of herbs on top, with a small green basil leaf in the middle. A toasted golden brown grilled sandwich is held by a woman's hand dipping into the soup, showing its crispy texture. Next to the bowl on the plate lies another piece of the same sandwich. A spoon with a wooden handle rests on the plate near the bottom, and a fresh green basil sprig is placed beside the sandwich. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a soft beige cloth visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Tomato Soup with Melted Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Tomato Soup with Melted Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Tomato Soup with Melted Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This combo is the definition of cozy cooking. I adore how the tangy tomato soup pairs with the crispy, buttery grilled cheese—it’s like a hug in food form. Making it from scratch isn’t just rewarding, it’s surprisingly simple and foolproof once you get the steps down.

Classic Comfort: The soup is velvety smooth with a hint of fresh garlic and herbs, while the sandwich melts to cheesy perfection every time.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything in your pantry and fridge already, making it a breeze to whip up anytime.
Customizable: Whether you love extra spicy soup or loaded grilled cheese, this recipe welcomes your tweaks and adds.
Kid-Approved: This meal always gets rave reviews from my family and friends — easy enough for picky eaters and grownups alike.

The image shows a bowl of smooth, bright orange tomato soup with a creamy swirl and sprinkled grated cheese in the center, topped with small green basil leaves. The bowl is placed on a white plate with two golden-brown grilled cheese sandwiches resting beside it, showing a crisp, toasted texture. Fresh basil leaves are scattered around on the white marbled surface, adding a touch of green. In the background, there is a small bowl filled with shredded cheese. A spoon and a knife with wooden handles rest above the bowl. A light gray cloth napkin is visible at the edge of the frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a role, from building deep flavor in the soup to creating the perfect sandwich texture. Choosing quality basics makes all the difference—like real butter and good bread.

Flat lay of unsalted butter in a small white ceramic bowl, one whole yellow onion, minced fresh garlic in a small white ceramic bowl, all purpose flour in a small white ceramic bowl, vegetable broth in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl filled with crushed fresh tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth tomato paste, heavy whipping cream in a small white ceramic bowl, whole black peppercorns and coarse sea salt scattered neatly, a whole parmesan rind piece, golden extra virgin olive oil in a small white ceramic bowl, two slices of rustic sourdough bread, two slices of white cheddar cheese, two slices of fresh mozzarella cheese all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Controls saltiness in both soup and sandwich, plus gives that lovely golden crust on the bread.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the tomato soup when softened gently.
Garlic: Just a touch wakes up the flavor with a warm, aromatic punch.
All Purpose Flour: This thickens the soup and creates a luscious texture without any heaviness.
Vegetable Broth: Using low sodium broth helps balance the acidity from tomatoes and lets you control seasoning precisely.
Canned Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of the soup—rich, slightly tangy, and perfect for that vibrant tomato taste.
Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and deepens the color beautifully.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds creaminess and smooths out the acidity for a luscious finish.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors alive—adjust to your taste!
Parmesan Rind (Optional): If you have one, simmering it in the soup gives a subtle umami boost that’s totally worth it.
Sourdough Bread: I love the tang and sturdy texture—it crisps up nicely but still soft inside.
White Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and rich, it melts beautifully for that classic grilled cheese flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds that stretchy, gooey texture that makes the sandwich feel extra indulgent.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Tomato Soup with Melted Cheese Sandwich Recipe is its flexibility. I like to switch up my cheese blend or throw in fresh herbs in the soup depending on what’s in season or what cravings hit me.

Variation: I once swapped out the mozzarella for pepper jack and added a pinch of smoked paprika to the soup for a smoky twist—totally changed the game and impressively spicy!
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a vegan cheese alternative; the soup stays creamy and the sandwich still melts nicely.
Extra Veggies: Sometimes, I sneak finely chopped carrots and celery into the soup base for extra nutrients and texture without changing the flavor too much.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tomato Soup with Melted Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Start by Sautéing Your Aromatics

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onions and cook them until they soften and turn translucent—this only takes around 2 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and stir for about 20 seconds until you can smell that beautiful aroma. This gentle cooking releases the sweetness in the onions and the pungency of the garlic, creating a flavorful foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Thicken the Soup Base and Add Tomatoes

Lower the heat and sprinkle in the flour, adding a splash of broth as you whisk constantly to avoid lumps. After about a minute, pour in the rest of the vegetable broth, canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and the parmesan rind if you’re using it. Let everything come up to a gentle simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently. You’ll notice the soup thickening and the flavors concentrating—that’s when you know you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Blend and Enrich

Remove the parmesan rind and turn off the heat. Use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree the soup until it’s silky smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup to a standard blender—just remember to vent the lid slightly to avoid any explosions of hot soup! Return the pureed soup to low heat, stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and black pepper to your liking.

Step 4: Build Your Perfect Grilled Cheese

Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. Place one slice, butter side down, in a skillet heated over medium. Layer on the white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, then top with the other slice of bread, butter side up. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, covering the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly. Peek periodically to catch that perfect golden crust—you want it crispy but not dark.

Step 5: Check for Melty Goodness and Serve

Once you flip, cut the sandwich diagonally to peek inside—if the cheese isn’t melted enough, pop the sandwich back on the skillet for another minute or so per side with the lid on. When ready, serve alongside your steaming bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate cozy meal.

Top Tip

Through lots of trial and error making this Tomato Soup with Melted Cheese Sandwich Recipe, I’ve learned a few simple tricks that take it from great to unforgettable.

Even Buttering: Spread your butter thoroughly but gently to avoid tearing the bread; uneven buttering can cause uneven browning.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keeping the soup at a gentle simmer prevents it from becoming too thick or bitter and helps the flavors meld perfectly.
Cover Your Sandwich: Using a lid while cooking your grilled cheese traps the heat and helps melt the cheese evenly without burning the bread.
Check Cheese Melt Early: Cutting the sandwich to look inside early helps you avoid overcooking or under-melting the cheese—adjust heat accordingly for the next batch!

How to Serve Tomato Soup with Melted Cheese Sandwich Recipe

tomato soup with grilled cheese - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my tomato soup with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese right before serving—it adds a lovely richness and texture contrast. Sometimes fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes make an appearance if I’m feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

To keep things classic, I usually stick to the soup and sandwich combo—it’s so satisfying on its own. But if you want to add a little extra, a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette or some crunchy pickles on the side works beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties, I've served the soup in mini mason jars with tiny grilled cheese “dippers” cut into bite-sized cubes—everyone loved the shareable idea! Alternatively, using cookie cutters to shape the sandwiches into hearts or stars makes the meal playful, especially with kids.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover tomato soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating to preserve freshness and avoid sogginess when reheating.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. I like to portion it into single-serving containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove—cream added after thawing keeps the soup fresh and creamy.

Reheating

Reheat the soup slowly over low heat, stirring often until warmed through. This prevents any curdling from the cream and maintains that silky texture. For the sandwich, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, reheat wrapped in foil in a low oven to keep the bread crisp while melting the cheese again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Tomato Soup with Melted Cheese Sandwich Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative, use vegetable broth, substitute the cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and opt for vegan cheese slices. The soup stays creamy and delicious, and your sandwich gets melty and satisfying.

What’s the best bread for the grilled cheese sandwich?

I find sourdough bread works best because it’s sturdy enough to hold all that melty cheese and gets wonderfully crispy on the outside. But feel free to use any bread you like—just make sure it’s not too thin so it can stand up to the filling.

Can I prepare the soup and sandwiches ahead of time?

You can definitely make the soup a day or two in advance and reheat it when ready. However, the grilled cheese sandwich is best made fresh to keep that perfect crispy crust and melted center. If you must prep ahead, assemble the sandwiches without cooking, wrap tightly and keep in the fridge, then grill just before serving.

How do I avoid the grilled cheese burning before the cheese melts?

Cooking over medium to medium-low heat and covering the pan with a lid allows the cheese to melt evenly with the heat trapped inside, while the bread toasts slowly and nicely. Avoid high heat to prevent burning. Also, check early to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

This Tomato Soup with Melted Cheese Sandwich Recipe holds a special spot in my heart because it's one of those timeless meals that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. It’s straightforward, hugely satisfying, and lends itself well to your own twists—whether it’s swapping cheeses or adding herbs. I can’t recommend it enough for cozy nights in or casual lunches with friends. Give it a try—you'll be smiling before the first bite is even done.