Dinner

Comforting Roasted Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Recipe

Name: Comforting Roasted Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 32 min
Total time: 47 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 lb Campari or vine tomatoes, halved; 1 large onion, cut into 8 wedges; 12 garlic cloves, halved or quartered if large; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp kosher salt; 1 tbsp dried oregano; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 cup vegetable broth or chicken stock; 1/4 cup heavy cream (plus extra for serving); 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil, plus more for garnish; Bread of choice (4 slices); Butter (for spreading on bread); Cheese slices (such as cheddar or American, 4 slices)

ByMatteo Rossi October 21, 2025October 21, 2025

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Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of roasted tomato soup paired with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich to brighten up a chilly day. This comforting classic combines deep, caramelized flavors with creamy texture, making it a go-to meal when you want something simple yet satisfying. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour and uses fresh, easy-to-find ingredients.

A white bowl filled with a smooth, thick orange soup as the base layer, topped with several golden-brown crispy croutons arranged in the center, each showing a textured, slightly porous surface. Light green fresh basil leaves and thin strips of basil are scattered on top and around the croutons. A white cream swirl decorates the soup surface, creating a circular pattern that contrasts with the orange base. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with a few loose basil leaves near the bowl's edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 lb Campari or vine tomatoes
1 large onion, cut into 8 wedges
12 garlic cloves, halved or quartered if large
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 cup vegetable broth or chicken stock
1/4 cup heavy cream (plus extra for serving)
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil, plus more for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Cut the tomatoes in half and place them in a large casserole or deep baking dish. Add the onion wedges and garlic cloves (halved or quartered if large). Drizzle everything with olive oil and season with kosher salt, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Toss to coat evenly and spread out in a single layer.
Step 2: Roast the vegetables for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even caramelization. The tomatoes should be slightly charred around the edges.
Step 3: Allow the vegetables to cool slightly, then transfer them along with their juices to a large pot. Add the fresh basil. Using an immersion blender, puree until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches in a regular blender and return to the pot.
Step 4: Stir in the vegetable broth and heavy cream until fully combined. Gently warm the soup on the stove and taste for seasoning. Add a pinch of sugar if the soup tastes too acidic, and adjust salt as needed.
Step 5: Ladle the soup into bowls. For extra richness, swirl in a spoonful of heavy cream and garnish with chopped fresh basil. Serve alongside your favorite grilled cheese or crusty bread.

Tips & Variations

Use Roma or beefsteak tomatoes if Campari are unavailable; adjust roasting time for smaller or larger tomatoes.
Substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for heavy cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Dried basil can replace fresh in a pinch, but fresh herbs add the best flavor.
Try smoked paprika, chipotle powder, or omit spices to suit your taste.
If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the soup through a fine mesh sieve after blending to remove skins and seeds.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; the flavors deepen over time. You can freeze portions for up to 3 months, leaving space for expansion in the container. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, and add broth or water if it thickens. Microwaving works too; just stir halfway through heating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with bright orange creamy tomato soup, showing a smooth texture on its surface. Inside the soup, there is a swirl of white cream creating a circular pattern around four golden-brown toasted croutons with a crispy texture, placed near the center. A few fresh green basil leaves lie next to the croutons, adding a vibrant green touch. Above the bowl, a spoon is held by a woman's hand, with some orange soup on it, slightly glossy. In the background, there is a white bowl partially filled with more of the same tomato soup, and a bunch of fresh green basil leaves on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Fresh tomatoes provide the best flavor and texture for roasting, but in a pinch, high-quality canned whole tomatoes can be used. You may want to reduce or skip roasting and adjust seasoning accordingly.

What is the best bread to use for grilled cheese with this soup?

Classic white bread, sourdough, or a hearty country loaf all work great. Choose a bread that crisps nicely when grilled and pairs well with melty cheese, like cheddar, American, or a blend of your favorites.