Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese Dippers

A silky smooth, rich tomato soup, paired with crispy, golden-brown grilled cheese sticks made for dipping. It’s nostalgic, cozy, and ridiculously easy to make!

Some meals just feel like a warm hug, and this Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese Dippers is one of ‘em. This velvety, homemade tomato soup is rich, flavorful, and ridiculously easy, while those crispy, buttery grilled cheese dippers are just the right size for dunking. Whether you’re chasing away the chill or craving a little taste of childhood, this cozy classic never disappoints!

Ingredients

For the Tomato Soup:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for extra richness!)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (helps balance acidity!)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but adds depth!)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version!)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness!)

For the Grilled Cheese Dippers:

• 4 slices thick-cut bread (like sourdough or Texas toast!)
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar & mozzarella!)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for a little extra flavor!)

Supplies Needed

• Large pot
• Immersion blender (or regular blender!)
• Skillet or griddle
• Spatula

Instructions

Make the Tomato Soup

Sauté the Aromatics
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.

Simmer the Soup
Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in sugar, salt, pepper, basil, and smoked paprika. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Blend & Finish
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. (If using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches.) Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, then simmer for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat.

Make the Grilled Cheese Dippers

Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread butter on one side of each bread slice and sprinkle with a pinch of garlic powder. Place two slices, buttered-side down, in a heated skillet. Sprinkle 3/4 cup shredded cheese over each slice, then top with the remaining bread slices, buttered-side up.

Grill to Perfection
Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes, then slice into strips.

Serve & Enjoy
Ladle the tomato soup into bowls, pile the grilled cheese dippers on a plate, and start dunking!

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat.
Freezing: The soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months! Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving. (Grilled cheese dippers are best fresh!)

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Make It Creamier: Stir in an extra splash of heavy cream before serving for an ultra-luxurious texture.
Cheese Lover’s Dream: Mix in some Gruyère or fontina for next-level grilled cheese dippers.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a little heat.

Variations

Roasted Tomato Soup: Swap canned tomatoes for roasted fresh tomatoes for even richer flavor.
Grown-Up Grilled Cheese: Use brie, caramelized onions, and sourdough for a fancy upgrade.
Bacon & Cheddar Grilled Cheese: Add crispy bacon slices inside the grilled cheese for extra indulgence!

FAQ

Can I make this soup without blending it?
Sure can! If you like a chunkier soup, just skip the blending step and enjoy it as-is.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Use about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes, roasted or simmered down before blending.

How do I keep my grilled cheese crispy?
Let them rest for 2 minutes before slicing and serve immediately for the best crunch!

This Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese Dippers is pure nostalgia in a bowl—rich, cozy, and perfect for dunking. Whether you’re serving it up on a rainy day, a chilly night, or just because, this easy homemade classic hits the spot every time. So grab a spoon (or a grilled cheese dipper) and enjoy!

Disclosure: Y’all, this post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Keeps the soup simmerin’ and the cheese meltin’—thank ya kindly!