Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Recipe

If you’re a fan of the classic grilled cheese and tomato soup combo, you’re in for a treat. My version is inspired by the now-retired Panera grilled cheese sandwich. This grilled cheese and tomato soup recipe elevates the comforting classic by using a variety of cheeses and adding crispy bacon for a salty crunch that takes it over the top. This makes just enough for two and is cozy food at its finest.

Jump to:

• Getting Started
• Ingredient Recommendations
• Ingredient Alternatives
• Finishing Touches
• Pairings
• Leftovers
• Recipe

Getting Started

When it comes to making the perfect grilled cheese, preparation is everything. Having all your ingredients ready and within arm’s reach will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. It moves quickly!

Here’s how to get set up:

Choose Your Pan: I use a square, non-stick griddle pan like this one. It can fit two sandwiches at once. And the large, flat surface allows for even cooking and easy flipping. Yes, I still use a lid as the recipe says even though it has to rest on the sandwiches and not a pan rim. Turns out great every time!

Prepare the Bread: If you’re using an artisan loaf, slice the bread before starting. Aim for slices that aren’t too thick to ensure the cheese melts properly.

Slice the Cheese: Uneven, irregular slices are fine—just measure out enough to equal about four slices.

Plan Your Bacon: Whether you prefer oven-baking, air frying or pan frying fresh bacon, or microwaving pre-cooked bacon, get that going right away.

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Recipe Ingredient Recommendations

Best Bread for Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Recipe

Just about any bread will do. Standard sliced breads are a good option. Artisan sourdough or homemade bread works beautifully. A no-knead bread, like this easy recipe, is a fantastic option if you want to make your own. Remember to have your slices at the ready when starting this recipe.

Best Cheeses for Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Recipe

Fontina, or I use Fontinella when it’s all I can find, come in a wedge and are found in what I refer to as the fancier cheese section. (Please don’t be intimidated by this.) In other words, this is a refrigerated display case usually by the deli. This is different from the standard refrigerated dairy section that has bags of shredded cheese.

Speaking of the refrigerated dairy section, this is where I find the block of store-brand white cheddar cheese, small container of chive and onion cream cheese and bag of Italian blend shredded cheese.

For the Fontina and white cheddar cheese, slicing from a wedge or block gives the best results. You can freeze any leftover cheese for up to six months. The extra white cheddar cheese can also be shredded for Pub-Style Cottage Pie.

Bacon

This recipe calls for cooked bacon so have this ready ahead of time. My favorite way is to cook fresh bacon in the air fryer because it is quick. If I have time, my second favorite is to cook bacon in the oven using the cold start method. When I’m really in a time crunch though, I resort to pre-cooked bacon that I can pop in the microwave.

Soup

The classic name-brand can of condensed tomato soup is a slam dunk. I will also use store-brand condensed tomato soup. If I really want to elevate the meal, I will use Tomato Bisque.

Milk

For most condensed tomato soup you add the can of soup to a small saucepan on the stove. Then you fill the empty can with water and add that to the soup, combining and heating up. For this recipe, substitute the water with milk. Any milk you prefer is fine. This adds a creaminess to the soup. If you want even more creaminess, consider swapping the milk for half and half or heavy whipping cream.

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Recipe Ingredient Alternatives

Vegetarian Option

To make this recipe vegetarian, skip the bacon.

Gluten-free Option

To make this recipe gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free bread and a gluten-free tomato soup. For the bread swap, I recommend a gluten-free sourdough white bread like Shar’s Artisan Baker.

No Red Meat Option

Skip the bacon to make this recipe without red meat.

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Recipe Finishing Touches

The ultimate finishing touch is achieving a crunchy golden bread on one side of the sandwich and a crispy cheese crust on the other. Then, serve the tomato soup in a warmed soup bowl. Serve the grilled on a small plate. Cut the sandwich in half at a diagonal for the optimal soup dipping experience.

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Recipe Pairings

While the sandwich and soup are the ultimate, timeless pairing, a side salad can round out the meal. It is a fresh, healthy component that balances out the richness of the sandwich and the creaminess of the soup.

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Recipe Leftovers

There won’t be any leftovers – trust me! Besides, these sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh. Enjoy your homemade gourmet grilled cheese and tomato soup recipe!