The comfort food pairing of roasted tomato soup and grilled cheese is a classic that never fails to satisfy. This recipe combines the tangy depth of roasted tomatoes with the unctuousness of a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich. The richness of the soup is perfectly counterbalanced by the crisp, cheesy goodness of the sandwich, making for a meal that's both comforting and satisfying.
For this recipe, you may need to keep an eye out for McCormick® Savory Spice Blend and Arborio Rice when in the supermarket. While these may not be staples in all kitchens, they are essential to this dish. The spice blend adds a unique depth of flavor to your soup and the Arborio rice adds a creamy texture, without the need for cream.
Ingredients for Roasted Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
Olive oil: This will be used to coat the vegetables before roasting, adding a rich flavor.
Roma tomatoes: The main ingredient in the soup, they will be roasted to bring out their sweetness.
White onion: Adds a depth of flavor to the soup.
Garlic: Used for its pungent flavor and aroma.
McCormick® Savory Spice Blend: A blend of seasonings that adds complex flavor to the soup and sandwiches.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors in the soup.
Black pepper: Adds a slight heat and flavor complexity.
Vegetable stock: The liquid base for the soup, adds flavor.
Arborio rice: Adds creaminess to the soup.
Tomatoes: Used in the soup, provides acidity and depth.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to the soup.
Basil: Adds a fresh note to the rich soup.
Sourdough bread: The base for the grilled cheese, has a slight tang to complement the cheese.
Butter: Used to toast the bread to golden perfection.
Cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor to the grilled cheese.
Havarti cheese: Melts beautifully, adds a creamy, mild flavor to the grilled cheese.
One reader, Cyndia Yamamoto says:
The roasted tomato soup and grilled cheese recipe is a game-changer! The soup's rich, velvety texture and the savory, gooey grilled cheese make for a comforting, satisfying meal. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the aroma is simply divine. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a classic, heartwarming dish.
Mastering the Art of Roasted Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese: Essential Techniques
How to roast the tomatoes, onions, and garlic: Toss the tomatoes, onions, and garlic in olive oil, savory spice blend, salt, and pepper, then roast in the oven at 300°F for 40 minutes until the tomatoes are wrinkled.
How to make the tomato soup base: Combine the roasted vegetables with vegetable stock and rice in a pot, bring to a boil, then simmer until the rice is tender. Add diced tomatoes and balsamic vinegar, then blend until smooth and creamy.
How to make the grilled cheese: Spread butter and savory spice blend on one side of each bread slice, then layer with cheddar and havarti. Toast each sandwich in a pan until golden brown, then bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and gooey. Cut in half and serve warm with the roasted tomato soup.
How To Make Roasted Tomato Soup And Grilled Cheese
You can never go wrong with a classic pairing, such as our roasted tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich. We use 2 kinds of cheese and a blend of herbs.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Roasted Tomato Soup:
- ¼cupolive oil
- 2lbroma tomato,(about 10), halved lengthwise, seeds removed
- 1smallwhite onion,peeled and roughly chopped
- 1headgarlic,peeled and crushed
- 2tbspMcCormick® Savory Spice Blend
- 1½tspkosher salt,plus more to taste
- ½tspfresh ground black pepper,plus more to taste
- 4cupsvegetable stock
- ¼cuparborio rice
- 28oztomato,(1 can), diced
- 1tbspbalsamic vinegar
- fresh basil,chopped, for garnish
For Grilled Cheese:
- 8sourdough bread,slices
- ½cupunsalted butter,softened
- 2tspMcCormick® Savory Spice Blend
- 8ozcheddar cheese,sliced
- 8ozhavarti cheese,sliced
Instructions
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Roasted Tomato Soup
Roasted Tomato Soup:
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Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, toss together the olive oil, tomatoes, onion, garlic, Savory spice blend, salt, and pepper.
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Place the tomatoes cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet and spread the onions and garlic around the pan in a single layer.
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Roast for 40 minutes, until the tomatoes have wrinkled. Leave the oven on for making the grilled cheeses.
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In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine the roasted vegetables, vegetable stock, and rice. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes, until the rice is tender. Add the diced tomatoes and balsamic vinegar and stir to combine. Remove the pot from the heat.
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Blend the soup with an immersion blender until completely smooth and creamy.
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Ladle into bowls and top with basil.
Grilled Cheese:
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If not already on, preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
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Spread 1 tablespoon of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle each unbuttered side with the Savory Spice Blend. With the buttered side facing out, layer on the sliced cheddar and Havarti and top each sandwich with a second piece of buttered bread.
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In a large pan over medium heat, toast each sandwich, buttered side down, for about 2 minutes or until golden brown. Flip and repeat on the other side, then transfer to a baking sheet.
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Bake the grilled cheeses for 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is gooey and fully melted.
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Cut in half on the diagonal and serve warm with roasted tomato soup.
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Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 1759.19kcal
- Fat: 47.46g
- Saturated Fat: 21.14g
- Trans Fat: 0.82g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 14.16g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.07g
- Carbohydrates: 267.67g
- Fiber: 14.32g
- Sugar: 28.65g
- Protein: 68.39g
- Cholesterol: 88.34mg
- Sodium: 3318.26mg
- Calcium: 714.33mg
- Potassium: 1177.01mg
- Iron: 20.49mg
- Vitamin A: 339.21µg
- Vitamin C: 32.77mg
Elevate Your Grilled Cheese Game with This Simple Technique
When roasting the tomatoes, onions, and garlic for the soup, ensure they are spread out evenly on the baking sheet. This allows for even roasting and prevents the vegetables from steaming instead. Also, when making the grilled cheese, use a combination of cheddar and havarti cheese. The cheddar gives a sharp flavor while the havarti adds a creamy texture. Lastly, don't rush the cooking process of the grilled cheese. A slow and steady heat ensures a crispy exterior and a fully melted cheese interior.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Classic Comfort Food
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the vegetables and ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Multitask: While the soup is simmering, prepare the grilled cheese sandwiches to save time and make the most of your cooking efforts.
Use quality tools: Invest in a good blender and sharp knives to make the prep work and blending process more efficient.
Organize your workspace: Keep your cooking area clean and organized to avoid wasting time searching for ingredients and utensils.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe and follow the instructions closely to avoid mistakes and save time on troubleshooting.
Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Tomato Soup And Grilled Cheese Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar high smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
roma tomato - Substitute with vine-ripened tomatoes: Vine-ripened tomatoes have a similar sweet and rich flavor, making them a good substitute for roma tomatoes in the roasted tomato soup.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions can be used as a substitute for white onions, providing a slightly stronger flavor but still complementing the soup well.
garlic - Substitute with roasted garlic: Roasted garlic can add a deeper, sweeter flavor to the soup, enhancing the overall taste.
vegetable stock - Substitute with chicken stock: Chicken stock can be used as a substitute for vegetable stock, adding a savory depth to the soup.
arborio rice - Substitute with short-grain rice: Short-grain rice can replace arborio rice, providing a similar creamy texture when cooked.
balsamic vinegar - Substitute with red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar can add a tangy acidity to the soup, similar to balsamic vinegar.
sourdough bread - Substitute with French bread: French bread can be used as a substitute for sourdough, providing a crispy texture and delicious flavor for the grilled cheese.
unsalted butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee can be used as a substitute for unsalted butter, adding a rich and nutty flavor to the grilled cheese.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with gouda cheese: Gouda cheese can replace cheddar, offering a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor for the grilled cheese.
havarti cheese - Substitute with fontina cheese: Fontina cheese can be used as a substitute for havarti, providing a smooth and creamy texture with a mild, nutty flavor.
Elevate Your Presentation: Serving Suggestions for Roasted Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
Elevate the roasted tomato soup: Instead of serving the soup in a traditional bowl, consider using a hollowed-out tomato as a unique and visually stunning vessel. This unexpected presentation will surprise and delight the diners, adding an element of creativity to the dish.
Artful grilled cheese plating: Instead of serving the grilled cheese sandwiches on a regular plate, consider arranging them on a wooden cutting board or a slate platter. This rustic and artisanal presentation adds a touch of elegance to the classic comfort food, elevating its visual appeal.
Garnish with precision: When garnishing the roasted tomato soup, use a delicate hand to sprinkle micro basil leaves on top of the soup. The tiny leaves will add a burst of fresh flavor and a pop of vibrant green, enhancing the overall presentation with a sophisticated touch.
Incorporate edible flowers: To add a touch of elegance and refinement to the dish, consider incorporating edible flowers as a garnish. Delicate petals such as nasturtiums or borage flowers can be strategically placed on the plate to add a visually stunning and luxurious element to the overall presentation.
Play with height and texture: When plating the dish, consider using elevated serving platters to create varying heights on the table. This adds visual interest and dimension to the presentation, making the meal more visually appealing and engaging for the diners.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Crafting the Perfect Soup and Sandwich Combo
- Oven: Used for roasting the tomatoes and for baking the grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Baking sheet: Used to provide a flat, heatproof surface for roasting the tomatoes and baking the grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Parchment paper: Used to line the baking sheet to prevent the food from sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Large bowl: Used for tossing the tomatoes, onion, and garlic with the olive oil and seasonings.
- Large pot: Used for simmering and blending the roasted tomato soup.
- Immersion blender: Used for blending the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Pan: Used for toasting the grilled cheese sandwiches on the stovetop.
- Baking sheet: Used for transferring the grilled cheese sandwiches to the oven for melting the cheese.
- Chef's knife: Used for slicing the tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
- Cutting board: Used as a surface for cutting and preparing the vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring the ingredients for the soup and grilled cheese.
Preserving Perfection: How to Store and Freeze Roasted Tomato Soup for Later
- To store leftover roasted tomato soup, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave some headspace for expansion during freezing. Label the containers with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Leftover grilled cheese sandwiches are best consumed immediately, as the bread may become soggy when stored. However, if you need to store them, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- To reheat grilled cheese sandwiches, unwrap them and place them on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through and crispy.
- It is not recommended to freeze grilled cheese sandwiches, as the bread may become soggy and the texture will be compromised upon thawing and reheating.
How to Reheat Leftover Roasted Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese for Optimal Flavor
To reheat leftover roasted tomato soup, pour the desired amount into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the soup is heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature.
If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the soup while reheating. This will also help to mellow out any strong flavors that may have developed during storage.
To reheat grilled cheese sandwiches, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with foil to prevent the bread from burning. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sandwiches are heated through.
For a quicker option, you can reheat grilled cheese sandwiches in a toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the sandwiches on the rack. Toast for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
If you want to restore the crispy texture of the grilled cheese sandwiches, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet and place the sandwiches in the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
To add extra flavor to your reheated tomato soup, garnish it with fresh basil leaves, a dollop of sour cream, or some grated Parmesan cheese. These toppings will elevate the soup and make it taste freshly made.
When reheating both the soup and sandwiches, be sure to consume them within 3-4 days of initial preparation for the best quality and safety. Always store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Surprising Facts About the Origins of Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
The roasted tomato soup and grilled cheese recipe is a classic comfort food combination that is loved by many. It's a perfect meal for a cozy night in or a comforting lunch. The roasted tomatoes in the soup add a rich and deep flavor, while the grilled cheese provides a gooey and satisfying crunch. This meal is a great source of warmth and nostalgia for many people, making it a beloved choice for gatherings and family meals. Both the soup and grilled cheese are versatile and can be customized to suit individual tastes, making them a staple in many households.
Budget-Friendly Comfort: Is Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Cost-Effective?
This roasted tomato soup and grilled cheese recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as tomatoes, onions, garlic, and cheese, are generally affordable and readily available. The recipe offers a comforting and satisfying meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $20. The combination of the rich and flavorful soup with the indulgent grilled cheese makes it a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on taste. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is This Comfort Food Classic Healthy or Unhealthy?
The roasted tomato soup and grilled cheese recipe is a comforting and delicious combination, but it may not be the healthiest option. Here's an analysis of the recipe:
- The soup contains a significant amount of olive oil, which is high in calories and fat. However, olive oil is a healthy fat that can provide benefits when consumed in moderation.
- Roasting the tomatoes, onion, and garlic enhances their flavor and nutritional value, as it concentrates the natural sugars and antioxidants.
- The soup also includes vegetable stock and tomatoes, which are nutrient-dense and low in calories.
- The addition of arborio rice provides a creamy texture to the soup, but it also adds carbohydrates and calories.
- The grilled cheese sandwiches are made with sourdough bread, which is a better choice than white bread due to its fermentation process and slightly higher fiber content.
- The sandwiches are high in fat and calories due to the generous amount of butter and cheese used.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the soup, or replace some of it with a lower-calorie alternative like vegetable broth.
- Use a whole grain bread for the grilled cheese sandwiches to increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients.
- Opt for reduced-fat cheese or use a smaller amount of regular cheese to decrease the overall fat and calorie content of the sandwiches.
- Add more vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content.
- Serve the grilled cheese sandwiches in smaller portions or pair them with a side salad to balance out the meal.
Editor's Take: Why Roasted Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese is the Ultimate Comfort Food
The roasted tomato soup and grilled cheese recipe is a delightful combination of comforting flavors and textures. The roasted tomato soup offers a rich and velvety texture with a perfect balance of savory and sweet notes, while the grilled cheese sandwiches provide a crispy, buttery exterior and a gooey, cheesy interior. The use of savory spice blend adds depth and complexity to both dishes, elevating them to a new level of deliciousness. This recipe is a wonderful choice for a cozy meal, and the pairing of the soup and grilled cheese is a timeless classic that never fails to satisfy.
Enhance Your Roasted Tomato Soup And Grilled Cheese Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Beyond Tomato Soup: Discover Similar Comforting Soup and Sandwich Pairings
From Start to Finish: Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Soup and Sandwich
Why trust this Roasted Tomato Soup And Grilled Cheese Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a flavorful experience with roasted tomatoes, savory spice blend, and balsamic vinegar. The use of fresh basil adds a fragrant touch. The grilled cheese is made with sourdough bread, cheddar cheese, and havarti cheese, creating a perfect pairing with the soup. The meticulous instructions ensure a successful outcome, and the combination of ingredients promises a delightful meal.
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