Cozy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese – The Ultimate Comfort Meal!

There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of creamy, rich tomato basil soup paired with a crispy, gooey grilled cheese sandwich. This homemade version is WAY better than canned soup, made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil, blended into a smooth, velvety texture.

Perfect for chilly nights, quick lunches, or meal prepping, this Cozy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese is an easy, satisfying classic you’ll want to make again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Ultra Creamy & Flavorful – Roasted tomatoes + basil = the best combo!
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes!
✔ Better Than Canned Soup – Fresh, homemade, and packed with flavor.
✔ Perfect for Dipping – Because grilled cheese + soup = magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Tomato Basil Soup:

• 2 lbs fresh tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripened, chopped)

• 1 small onion (chopped)

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for extra depth)

• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

• ½ cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)

For the Grilled Cheese:

• 4 slices sourdough or country bread (or your favorite bread)

• 2 tablespoons butter (softened)

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (for extra meltiness)

How to Make Tomato Basil Soup & Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Place chopped tomatoes, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet.

3. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

4. Roast for 20 minutes, until tomatoes are soft and caramelized.

Step 2: Blend the Soup

1. Transfer roasted veggies to a blender (or use an immersion blender).

2. Add tomato paste, broth, and fresh basil, then blend until smooth.

3. Return to the pot and simmer for 10 minutes over medium heat.

4. Stir in heavy cream, adjust seasoning, and keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Grilled Cheese

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.

2. Butter one side of each bread slice.

3. Place cheese between two slices, buttered side facing out.

4. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and melty.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

• Ladle warm tomato basil soup into bowls.

• Serve with crispy grilled cheese, perfect for dipping!

• Garnish with extra basil & Parmesan cheese.

Tips for the Best Tomato Basil Soup & Grilled Cheese

✔ Roast the tomatoes – This brings out their natural sweetness.
✔ Use fresh basil – It makes the flavors pop!
✔ For extra creaminess – Stir in cream cheese or coconut milk.
✔ Want a crunchier grilled cheese? – Use mayonnaise instead of butter on the bread!

Variations & Add-Ins

Make It Spicy 🌶

• Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Make It Vegan 🌱

• Use coconut milk instead of cream.

• Swap dairy-free cheese for the grilled cheese.

Make It Extra Cheesy 🧀

• Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top of the soup.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing Leftovers

• Keep soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat until hot.

• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Freezing

• Freeze soup for up to 3 months (without the cream).

• Add cream after reheating for the best texture.

FAQs About Tomato Basil Soup & Grilled Cheese

Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
A: Yes! Use one (28 oz) can of whole peeled tomatoes, drained.

Q: What’s the best cheese for grilled cheese?
A: Cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella melt beautifully!

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! The soup tastes even better the next day.

Q: What can I serve with this meal?
A: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted veggies pair perfectly!

Final Thoughts

This Cozy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food combo, perfect for any season! Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a weeknight dinner, or a cozy meal on a rainy day, this classic dish with a homemade twist is sure to be a favorite.

Try it out and let me know how you like it! What’s your favorite soup and sandwich combo?

Cozy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese – The Ultimate Comfort Meal!

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• Author: Emy

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Description

This Cozy Tomato Basil Soup paired with a crispy, melty Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food combo. Rich, creamy soup with a hint of basil, served with the golden, toasty goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich—perfect for chilly days!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Tomato Basil Soup:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, for sweetness)

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)

• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

For the Grilled Cheese:

• 8 slices of bread (preferably a hearty bread like sourdough or whole wheat)

• 4 tbsp butter, softened

• 8 slices of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)

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Instructions

1. Make the Tomato Basil Soup:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).

5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

6. Using an immersion blender (or a regular blender in batches), carefully blend the soup until smooth.

7. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and add sugar if desired to balance the acidity.

2. Make the Grilled Cheese:

1. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.

2. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.

3. Place 2 slices of cheese on the unbuttered side of 4 slices of bread.

4. Top with the other slices of bread, buttered side facing out.

5. Grill the sandwiches on the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

3. Serve & Enjoy:

1. Pour the tomato basil soup into bowls.

2. Slice the grilled cheese sandwiches into halves or quarters and serve alongside the soup.

3. Garnish the soup with fresh chopped basil and enjoy this cozy, comforting meal!

Notes

This Cozy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese is the perfect meal for a cozy night in. Creamy, rich soup paired with a crispy, melty grilled cheese—comfort food at its finest!

#TomatoBasilSoup #GrilledCheese #ComfortFood #CozyMeals #FallRecipes

Let’s chat in the comments! 🍅🧀✨