Roasted Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

A rich, cozy homemade tomato soup made with roasted tomatoes, onions, and garlic blended into a silky, flavorful bowl — paired perfectly with crispy golden grilled cheese sandwiches.

Ingredients

For the Roasted Tomato Soup

• 5–6 ripe tomatoes, halved
• 1 purple (red) onion, quartered
• 1–2 heads garlic
• 2–3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1–2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream or milk (optional for creaminess)
• Fresh basil (optional garnish)

For the Grilled Cheese

• 4 slices bread
• 4–6 slices cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or American)
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place tomatoes, onion, and garlic cloves/head on a baking tray.
3. Drizzle generously with olive oil.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
5. Roast for 35–45 minutes until tomatoes are soft and slightly charred.

Tip:

Roasting deepens the tomato flavor and adds natural sweetness.

Step 2: Blend the Soup

1. Transfer roasted vegetables to a blender.
2. Add broth gradually.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour into a pot and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
5. Stir in cream if desired.

Optional Add-Ins

• Red pepper flakes for heat
• Parmesan cheese for richness
• Basil for freshness

Step 3: Make the Grilled Cheese

1. Butter the outside of each bread slice.
2. Add cheese between bread slices.
3. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and melty.

Best Cheese Combinations

• Cheddar + mozzarella
• Gouda + provolone
• Sharp cheddar + parmesan

Description

This roasted tomato soup is comforting, savory, slightly sweet, and incredibly creamy without needing many ingredients. Roasting the vegetables caramelizes their natural sugars and gives the soup restaurant-quality flavor. Paired with buttery grilled cheese, it becomes the ultimate comfort meal for chilly nights or easy family dinners.

Recipe Notes

• Use ripe Roma or vine tomatoes for best flavor.
• If tomatoes are acidic, add a pinch of sugar.
• Blend longer for extra smooth soup.
• For chunkier soup, pulse blend instead of fully puréeing.

Helpful Tips

Make It Creamier

Add:

• Heavy cream
• Coconut milk
• Cream cheese

Make It Healthier

• Use whole grain bread
• Reduce cheese quantity
• Skip cream

Storage

• Refrigerate up to 4 days
• Freeze soup up to 3 months

Servings

• Soup: 4 servings
• Grilled cheese: 2 sandwiches

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)

Tomato Soup

• Calories: 180–250
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 18g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 4g

Grilled Cheese

• Calories: 350–450
• Protein: 12g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 24g

Nutrition varies depending on cheese, bread, and cream used.

Health Benefits

Tomatoes

• Rich in lycopene (powerful antioxidant)
• Supports heart health
• High in vitamin C

Garlic

• Supports immune health
• Contains anti-inflammatory compounds

Olive Oil

• Healthy monounsaturated fats
• Heart-friendly

Onion

• Contains antioxidants and fiber

Q&A

Can I use canned tomatoes?

Yes. Use two 28-oz cans of whole peeled tomatoes if fresh tomatoes aren’t available.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use coconut milk and dairy-free cheese.

Why roast the garlic?

Roasted garlic becomes sweet, mellow, and creamy instead of sharp.

Can I freeze the soup?

Yes. Freeze before adding cream for best texture.

What bread works best for grilled cheese?

Sourdough, Texas toast, brioche, or rustic white bread work wonderfully.

How do I thicken the soup?

Simmer longer or add a small peeled potato before blending.