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Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

Grilled cheese and tomato soup, a favorite meal of Franklin D. Roosevelt, embodies the comfort and warmth that this beloved president brought to the American people. This classic pairing, with its rich tomato soup and crispy, cheesy sandwich, offers a taste of home during even the most challenging times.
By preparing this dish at home, you can enjoy a meal that was cherished by FDR, one of America’s greatest leaders.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes

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IngredientsMethodVideoNotes

Ingredients
  

For the Tomato Soup:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk optional, for a creamier texture
For the Grilled Cheese Sandwich:
  • 4 slices of bread sourdough or white bread works well
  • 4 slices of cheddar cheese or your preferred cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened

Instructions
 

Making the Tomato Soup:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, sugar, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  3. If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in the heavy cream or milk during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup if you like it smoother, or leave it chunky for more texture.

Making the Grilled Cheese Sandwich:

  1. Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
  2. Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on the skillet. Layer with cheese slices, then top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up.
  3. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.

Serving:

  1. Ladle the tomato soup into bowls and serve alongside the grilled cheese sandwiches.
  2. Dip the sandwich into the soup for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Video

Notes

Cheese Options:
  • Cheese Variations: While cheddar is a classic choice for grilled cheese, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or mozzarella for a unique twist.
Tomato Soup Additions:
  • Extra Flavor: For added depth, consider stirring in a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato soup.
Making It Ahead:
  • Leftovers: Both the tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches can be made ahead. Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat before serving.