Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients

• Butter (4 tablespoons, softened)
• Cheddar cheese (4 slices (or more to taste))
• Bread (4 slices (sourdough or your choice))
• Tomato sauce (1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes)
• Onion (1 small, diced)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Basil (1/4 cup, fresh, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried))
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Heavy cream (1/4 cup (optional for creaminess))

Instructions

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Stir in the chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream just before serving.
3. While the soup is simmering, heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
4. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
5. Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on the skillet. Layer each with two slices of cheddar cheese.
6. Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up.
7. Cook the sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side. Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning the bread.
8. Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them sit for a minute before slicing in half.
9. Serve the grilled cheese sandwiches alongside the creamy tomato basil soup for dipping.