Gourmet Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Ingredients

• Fresh basil (a handful, for garnish)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup)
• Tomato soup (1 can (about 15 ounces) or homemade)
• Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons)
• Tomato (1 large, sliced)
• Gruyere cheese (1/2 cup, shredded)
• Cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, shredded)
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, softened)
• Artisan bread (4 slices (such as sourdough or ciabatta))

Instructions

1. Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Spread 1 tablespoon of butter on one side of each slice of artisan bread.
3. Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on the skillet.
4. Layer each slice generously with shredded cheddar cheese, followed by shredded Gruyere cheese, and top with tomato slices.
5. Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the unbuttered side of the remaining two slices of bread and place them on top of the tomato slices, mayo side facing up.
6. Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is thoroughly melted. Press down slightly with a spatula for even grilling.
7. In a separate pot, heat the tomato soup over medium heat.
8. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Simmer the soup for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and creamy.
10. Serve the grilled cheese sandwiches with a bowl of piping hot tomato soup, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
11. Enjoy your gourmet meal!