Randy Chandler
There are many ways to make a delicious bowl of tomato soup, and adding cheese is one of the most popular ways to elevate this classic dish. Whether it's shredded cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, or a combination of cheeses, adding cheese to tomato soup creates a rich, savoury flavour and creamy texture that's comforting and satisfying. This article will explore different ways to make cheesy tomato soup, including stove-top recipes and slow cooker methods, and provide tips on the best types of cheese to use for a flavourful, gooey bowl of comfort food.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Comfort food, appetizer, or main course |
| Ingredients | Tomatoes, cheese, garlic, onion, olive oil, Italian seasoning, black pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, basil, parsley, sugar, oregano, beef broth, milk, chicken broth, thyme, green pepper, butter, flour, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, chicken stock, vegetable broth, canned tomatoes, bread, baguette, croutons |
| Cheese types | Cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar, Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar, Cabot White Oak Cheddar |
| Preparation methods | Roasting, sautéing, blending, pureeing, boiling, simmering, grilling, toasting, drizzling |
| Serving suggestions | Grilled cheese sandwiches, garlic croutons, cream, fresh basil leaves, parsley |
| Nutrition (per serving) | Calories: 308-479kcal, Carbohydrates: 13-41g, Protein: 11-22g, Fat: 24-26g, Saturated Fat: 13-15g, Cholesterol: 68mg, Sodium: 604-943mg, Potassium: 181-650mg, Fiber: 1-5g, Sugar: 5-12g, Vitamin A: 804-2303IU, Vitamin C: 9-29mg, Calcium: 304-531mg, Iron: 1-3mg |
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What You'll Learn
Blending the cheese into the soup
Blending cheese into tomato soup is a great way to make it creamier and add a savoury flavour. There are a few ways to do this, depending on the texture and consistency you want to achieve.
Firstly, prepare your soup base. This typically involves sauteing onions and garlic with herbs and spices, then adding in tomato paste and canned tomatoes. Some recipes also call for beef or chicken broth, milk, and sugar. If you want a completely smooth soup, you can blend the canned tomatoes before adding them to the soup base.
Next, it's time to add the cheese. Shredded cheddar is a popular choice, but you can use any type of cheese you like, such as mozzarella, parmesan, or a combination. Slowly stir the cheese into the hot soup, allowing it to melt and blend into the liquid. If you want a completely smooth soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend the cheese and tomatoes directly into the soup. Alternatively, you can carefully pour the soup into a blender, blend it until smooth, and then return it to the stove.
Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and serve it hot. You can also sprinkle a little extra cheese on top of each bowl of soup for an extra cheesy touch.
Some people prefer to serve their tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches on the side, rather than blending the cheese into the soup. This allows the soup to be enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with a sandwich for a more filling meal. Ultimately, whether you blend the cheese into the soup or enjoy it on the side, tomato soup with grilled cheese is a classic and comforting combination.
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Adding cheese to the soup while cooking
Firstly, gather and prepare your ingredients. For a classic grilled cheese and tomato soup combination, you will need: canned tomatoes, fresh herbs like basil and parsley, garlic, onion, olive oil, salt, pepper, and, of course, cheese. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, or a combination of your favourites.
To start cooking, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they begin to brown slightly. Then, add your choice of seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir everything together. Next, add garlic and stir until aromatic. At this point, you can add tomato paste and cook for about a minute to get rid of the raw flavour.
Now it's time to add the cheese! Slowly stir in your chosen cheese, allowing it to melt into the soup. You can use shredded or grated cheese, adding a handful at a time and stirring until it's fully incorporated.
After adding the cheese, it's time to add the tomatoes. You can use canned tomatoes, including the liquid from the can, or fresh tomatoes that have been roasted beforehand. If using canned tomatoes, crush them into smaller pieces as you add them to the pot. Stir the tomatoes into the onion and cheese mixture until well combined.
Finally, add your choice of liquid to the soup. You can use chicken or vegetable broth, milk, half-and-half, or a combination of these. Return the pot to the heat and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the soup for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Before serving, you can blend the soup for a smoother consistency. Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then puree it in a blender. Process it in batches if necessary. Return the pureed soup to the pot and season with salt and pepper, or red pepper flakes for a spicier soup.
Serve your cheesy tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches for the ultimate comfort food experience!
While some people prefer to sprinkle cheese on top of their tomato soup just before serving, adding cheese during the cooking process infuses the soup with cheesy goodness in every bite.
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Using canned tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are a convenient and tasty option for making tomato soup. They are always in season, so you can enjoy this recipe year-round. San Marzano tomatoes are a popular choice for their sweet and tangy flavour, packed in a rich sauce that adds depth to the soup's base. Muir Glen is another recommended brand.
When using canned tomatoes, you can either blend them first or crush them by pulsing in a food processor before adding them to the pot. If you want a smooth soup, blend the canned tomatoes until they are pureed, then return them to the stove. You can also use an immersion blender directly in the pot to achieve your desired consistency.
For a simple three-ingredient tomato soup, combine canned tomatoes with butter and onion. You can also add water or stock to this mixture. Simmer the ingredients until the onions are soft, then blend the soup and season to taste.
If you want to add cheese to your canned tomato soup, there are a few steps to follow. First, sauté onion and green pepper in butter over medium heat until tender. Then, stir in flour, salt, and oregano. Next, add beef broth and milk, bringing the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. After boiling for one minute, remove from the heat and slowly stir in the cheese, allowing it to melt. Finally, add the pureed canned tomatoes and heat the soup to serving temperature without boiling. You can sprinkle more cheese on top of each bowl before serving.
Some recipes suggest adding baking soda to balance the acidity of the tomatoes instead of sugar. You can also add dairy or plant-based milk to make the soup creamier and reduce acidity.
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Adding milk or cream
Milk is not the only dairy option for adding creaminess to tomato soup. Some recipes suggest using half-and-half, or even cream, to make the soup extra rich and indulgent. One recipe recommends drizzling cream over the top of the soup before serving, while another suggests serving the soup with cream poured over grilled cheese sandwiches on the side.
If you are looking for a vegan or lactose-free option, coconut milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to milk or cream. Nutritional yeast can also be added to the soup to give it a "cheesy" flavor without using any dairy.
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Serving with grilled cheese
Tomato soup and grilled cheese is a classic combination that is sure to warm you up and provide comfort. The grilled cheese sandwich can be made with thick slices of sourdough bread, or any other bread of your choice, such as brioche, white bread, or artisan bread. You can also use crusty bread like focaccia or potato bread. Butter one side of each slice of bread. For the filling, you can use any type of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, smoked gouda, provolone, American, pepper jack, or a combination of these. You can also add some ham, such as prosciutto, and fig jam to balance the salty and savoury flavours with a bit of sweetness.
Place the buttered side of the bread on a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 slices of cheese to the non-buttered side of one slice, along with the ham and jam (if using). After about two minutes, add the other slice of bread, buttered-side-up, and cook for another 2 minutes. Flip the sandwich and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat for any additional sandwiches.
This grilled cheese sandwich can be served on the side of the tomato soup, or you can dunk the sandwich into the soup. For an extra cheesy touch, you can even sprinkle some cheese on top of the soup before serving. This combination of grilled cheese and tomato soup is a simple, quick, and easy meal that is perfect for lunch or a weeknight dinner.
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Frequently asked questions
To make a basic tomato soup, you will need canned tomatoes, olive oil, onion, garlic, basil, parsley, and salt and pepper.
Cheddar is a popular choice, but you can use any type of cheese you like. Other options include mozzarella, parmesan, and extra sharp cheddar.
After sautéing your vegetables and adding your liquid, remove the soup from the heat and slowly stir in your cheese, allowing it to melt. You can also sprinkle cheese on top of the soup before serving.
Many people like to serve grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup. You can also serve it with garlic croutons or biscuits.
