There's something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of tomato soup paired with a perfectly gooey melted cheese sandwich. This Tomato Soup with Melted Cheese Sandwich Recipe hits all those cozy notes, making it a beloved classic I always turn to when I want a meal that feels like a hug in every bite.

A bowl filled with smooth, thick orange-red tomato soup, topped with a small swirl of cream and tiny black pepper specks, with two small green basil leaves sitting near the center. A piece of toasted golden-brown grilled cheese bread is being dipped into the soup by a woman's hand from the top right corner. The bowl sits on a white speckled plate next to a piece of grilled bread, a silver spoon with a wooden handle, and a sprig of fresh green basil leaves on a white marbled surface. A light gray cloth is placed under the plate to the right 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

I can't get enough of how this combo is so simple yet utterly satisfying. The rich, velvety tomato soup paired with the crisp, buttery grilled cheese feels like the ultimate comfort food that never goes out of style.

Classic Comfort Food: This recipe revives a childhood favorite with a grown-up twist using fresh ingredients and a homemade touch.
Rich Yet Simple: The tomato soup is silky and flavorful without complicated steps, while the sandwich melts perfectly every time.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend, you’ll find comfort and ease in making this dish.
Customizable to Your Taste: You can switch up the cheeses or soup garnishes to make it exactly how you love it.

A white speckled round plate holds a beige bowl filled with smooth, bright orange tomato soup. The soup has a swirl of cream and is topped with a small pile of shredded white cheese and fresh green basil leaves in the center. The bowl sits on the right side of the plate, while two toasted golden-brown grilled cheese sandwiches are placed stacked slightly overlapping on the left side. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered on the white marbled surface around the plate, alongside a light gray cloth napkin. In the background, there is a brown bowl with more shredded cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Tomato Soup with Melted Cheese Sandwich Recipe plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and warmth. The canned tomatoes bring natural acidity and sweetness, while the cream adds silkiness. And your choice of breads and cheeses? That’s where the magic of the sandwich truly shines.

Flat lay of fresh whole yellow onion with papery skin, several peeled garlic cloves, a small mound of pale all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a few tablespoons of pale yellow unsalted butter in a small white bowl, a small white bowl filled with vibrant red crushed tomatoes, another small white bowl with thick dark red tomato paste, a small white bowl containing creamy white heavy whipping cream, a piece of pale off-white parmesan rind, a few grinds of black peppercorns scattered near a small white bowl of fine salt crystals, two rustic slices of golden crusted sourdough bread, two slices of pale yellow white cheddar cheese, two slices of fresh white mozzarella cheese, and a small white bowl with golden extra virgin olive oil, all arranged symmetrically and spaced evenly, placed 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: Essential for sautéing the onions and garlic and for spreading on the bread to get that golden crust.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup base.
Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth that elevates the soup flavor.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup to a creamy, luscious consistency.
Vegetable broth: Provides a savory foundation that balances the acidity of tomatoes.
Canned crushed tomatoes: The star ingredient delivering rich tomato flavor and vibrant color.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor without extra liquid.
Heavy whipping cream: Adds a smooth, velvety finish to the soup.
Salt and pepper: The simple seasoning that makes all the flavors pop.
Parmesan rind (optional): A secret weapon I love for infusing natural umami into the soup as it simmers.
Sourdough bread: Its tang and sturdy texture hold up beautifully to butter and melted cheese.
White cheddar cheese: Sharp and creamy, perfect for melting into the sandwich.
Mozzarella cheese: For that amazing gooey stretchiness we all adore.

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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

Personally, I love mixing the cheeses to get the perfect blend of sharpness and meltiness, but don't hesitate to try your own favorites. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the soup or swapping sourdough for a hearty whole grain can make this recipe truly your own.

Variation: Once, I added a few fresh basil leaves into the soup just before blending — the herbal note was a total game changer.
Dietary tweaks: For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
Seasonal changes: During colder months, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the soup adds a cozy heat I adore.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

First, melt the butter over medium heat in your pot, then toss in the chopped onion. Stir frequently and let it cook until soft and translucent — about 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook just until you smell its gorgeous aroma, around 20 seconds. This step builds the flavor foundation for your soup, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Thicken and Simmer the Soup

Lower the heat and whisk in the flour with a splash of the broth to avoid lumps. Cook for about a minute to get rid of raw flour taste. Then add the rest of your vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and if you're using it, the parmesan rind. Bring it all to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring regularly until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Blend for Creaminess

Remove the parmesan rind, then blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender. If you don't have one, use a regular blender but be careful to vent the lid so steam escapes safely—hot soup can bubble up fast! This step transforms chunky ingredients into that silky texture we love.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Season

Return the soup to low heat and stir in the heavy cream for that luxurious finish. Taste and adjust salt and pepper—you’ll be surprised how much of a flavor difference this makes. Keep warm while you prepare your sandwich.

Step 5: Make the Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Butter one side of each bread slice evenly. Place one slice butter-side down in a skillet over medium heat, layer your cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, then top with the other slice butter-side up. Cook about 2-3 minutes per side with the skillet covered—this traps heat so the cheese melts perfectly without burning the bread. Flip carefully and watch for that gorgeous golden crust. If the cheese isn't fully melted after flipping, pop the sandwich back in covered, low heat for another minute.

Top Tip

Having made this recipe countless times, I’ve learned some little tweaks that turn it from good to unforgettable.

Slow and low for grilled cheese: Cooking your sandwich on medium-low heat with a lid helps melt the cheese without burning the bread.
Don’t skip the parmesan rind: Even though it’s optional, simmering your soup with a parmesan rind adds a rich depth you won’t get otherwise.
Butter makes all the difference: Use softened unsalted butter for both soup base and sandwich – it crisps the bread beautifully and makes flavors pop.
Blend carefully: Always vent your blender lid slightly if using a standard blender to avoid messy splatters from the hot soup.

How to Serve Tomato Soup with Melted Cheese Sandwich Recipe

tomato soup with melted cheese - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top of the soup just before serving, and sometimes sprinkle a bit of shredded parmesan for a hint of salty richness. Freshly cracked black pepper really wakes it up. If you want a fresh touch, try finely chopped basil or parsley right before serving.

Side Dishes

Honestly, this combo stands on its own, but a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or even crispy sweet potato fries never hurt!

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a gathering? Serve the tomato soup in mini cups with tiny grilled cheese skewers on the side for easy dipping. Or cut the sandwiches into bite-sized triangles for finger-friendly snacks. These little touches make this humble meal feel festive and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pour leftover soup into airtight containers and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain that creamy texture.

Freezing

This tomato soup freezes beautifully—just skip the cream before freezing and add it fresh when reheating. I freeze it in portions, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it on the stove adding cream at the end. It tastes almost as fresh as the day I made it!

Reheating

To reheat your already prepared soup, gently warm over low heat and stir frequently. For grilled cheese sandwiches, reheating in a pan over low heat with a lid helps the cheese melt again without drying the bread. Avoid microwaving to keep that crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you have ripe fresh tomatoes, you can substitute them for canned crushed tomatoes. Just blanch, peel, and crush the fresh tomatoes before adding them. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may alter the cooking time slightly and might produce a lighter flavor.

What’s the best way to get gooey cheese inside the sandwich?

Using a combination of cheddar and mozzarella is key. Cheddar brings flavor, while mozzarella melts to a perfect gooey texture. Also, cooking low and slow with a lid on the skillet helps the cheese melt evenly without burning the bread.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Swap the butter for vegan margarine, use plant-based milk or cream alternatives, substitute vegetable broth for any animal-based broth, and choose your favorite vegan cheese for the sandwich. Expect slight differences in taste and texture, but the comforting essence remains.

How do I prevent my grilled cheese from getting soggy?

Be sure to butter the outside of bread slices and cook over medium-low heat. Using sturdy bread like sourdough helps. Also, avoid adding too much cheese or ingredients that release water, and cook the sandwich covered to melt the cheese without sogginess.

Final Thoughts

This Tomato Soup with Melted Cheese Sandwich Recipe holds a special place in my heart. It’s the kind of meal I come back to time and again, not just for its cozy flavors but because making it feels like sharing a moment of comfort with friends and family. I’m excited for you to try it and make it your own—it’s a true kitchen classic that never gets old.