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Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this gourmet twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich paired with a velvety tomato basil soup. The golden, crispy bread envelops rich, melted cheddar cheese, while the soup offers a fragrant burst of basil and garlic, creating a delightful balance of flavors that warms the soul. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a nostalgic childhood treat, this dish is a timeless favorite that brings families together around the dinner table.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- While the soup is simmering, heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on the skillet. Layer each with two slices of cheddar cheese.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up.
- 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.
- Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them sit for a minute before slicing in half.
- Serve the grilled cheese sandwiches alongside the creamy tomato basil soup for dipping.
Tips
- For a gourmet touch, try adding cooked bacon, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to your grilled cheese.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or pepper jack for varied flavors.
- To make the soup even richer, you can roast the tomatoes and garlic before adding them to the pot.
Dietary Information
Servings: 2 Dish Type: Main Course Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Calories: 600 Fat: 40g Carbs: 45g Protein: 20g Sodium: 800mg Sugar: 6g
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