Patrick Oconnell
There are many types of cheese that can be used for grilled cheese and tomato soup, and the choice of cheese is a matter of personal preference. Some popular options include cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, fontina, havarti, pepper jack, Colby Jack, Swiss, American, and provolone. For a healthier option, one can use whole grain bread with low-fat or vegan cheese. To enhance the flavour of the cheese, one can spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the inside of the bread. Additionally, butter or salted butter can be used to grill the sandwich to achieve a crispy texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese for grilled cheese and tomato soup | Mozzarella, cheddar, smoked gouda, provolone, Colby jack, unexpected cheddar, gouda, fontina, havarti, pepperjack, comte, brie, camembert, muenster, American, Swiss, gruyere, low-moisture mozzarella, parmesan, or any meltable cheese |
| Bread | Thick-sliced sourdough, white bread, artisan bread, brioche, milk bread, whole grain bread, focaccia, potato rosemary bread, or air fryer garlic bread |
| Butter | Salted butter |
| Additional ingredients | Basil, honey, salt, pepper, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, balsamic vinegar, mayonnaise, fig jam, prosciutto ham |
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$4.32
What You'll Learn
Mozzarella and tomato: a perfect flavour combination
There's nothing more comforting than a homemade bowl of tomato soup with a delicious, easy-to-make grilled cheese sandwich. This simple American classic, made popular during WWII, is a match made in heaven. But what type of cheese should you use for the ultimate grilled cheese to go with your tomato soup?
Mozzarella is a mild cheese that lets you taste the soft, quiet flavours of the bread and butter in your grilled cheese sandwich. It is a perfect match for tomato, allowing its bright, summery flavour to shine. The two are a dynamic duo, with the tomato bringing acidity and the mozzarella bringing a creamy texture and a mellow flavour.
Mozzarella is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, as it has a low melting point and becomes deliciously gooey. It is also a versatile cheese, pairing well with other cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack. For a more indulgent sandwich, try a combination of mozzarella and smoked gouda, or mozzarella and smoked cheddar, to take your grilled cheese to the next level.
For the ultimate grilled mozzarella sandwich, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the inside of the bread. This will heat up with the cheese, creating a rich, gooey filling. Choose a delicate, sweet loaf, such as brioche or milk bread, to complement the mild flavours of the mozzarella. Finally, butter the outside of the bread generously and cook in a non-stick pan over medium heat until the sandwich is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve your grilled mozzarella sandwich with a bowl of creamy tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food. This flavour combination is a classic for a reason, and it never gets old.
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Smoked cheeses, cream, and prosciutto ham
Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup is a classic American recipe that gained popularity during WWII when it was served to military personnel. While there are many ways to make grilled cheese sandwiches, smoked cheeses, cream, and prosciutto ham can take this simple dish to the next level.
For the smoked cheese, you can use a combination of cheddar, smoked gouda, and provolone. However, you can also use simpler cheeses like American, Mozzarella, or pepperjack. To make the sandwich, spread butter on a slice of bread, preferably brioche, and cook it in a pan for 1.5 to 2 minutes, or until it is browned and toasted. Then, add the fig jam, cheese, and prosciutto ham. Finally, place the other slice of bread on top, with the buttered side facing up, and cook for another 1.5 to 2 minutes.
To make the tomato soup, add butter to a large pot over medium-low heat and cook diced yellow onions for 5-6 minutes. Next, add sugar and cook for another 7-9 minutes until the mixture is browned. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, then pour in the tomatoes and cook for another 5-6 minutes. Add chicken stock and balsamic vinegar, and blend the mixture until smooth. Finally, add the soup back to the pot, stir in cream, salt, and pepper, and keep it warm.
You can also add some milk to the soup for extra creaminess. Additionally, fresh basil leaves and a swirl of cream can be added to the soup just before serving, along with the grilled cheese sandwiches.
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Bread options: sourdough, brioche, or whole grain
Sourdough bread is a great option for grilled cheese sandwiches. It crisps up well and has enough chew and structural integrity to hold the sandwich together. Sourdough is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of cheeses, such as mild and extra sharp cheddar. For a more decadent option, buttery brioche bread can be used. Brioche has a soft, pillowy texture that crisps up beautifully when grilled, resulting in a perfect golden exterior with a melt-in-your-mouth interior. It pairs well with mild, melty cheeses such as young Gouda or even thin slices of Brie with raspberry jam.
For those looking for a healthier option, 100% whole grain bread is a good choice. It adds fiber and flavour to the sandwich and can be paired with a variety of cheeses, such as gooey mozzarella with tomatoes and basil or creamy blue cheese with sweet fig jam. Thick slices of nutty multigrain bread are another option that adds texture and flavour to the sandwich.
When making a grilled cheese sandwich, it is important to consider the type of bread and cheese being used to ensure the best results. The bread should be able to hold up to the weight of the cheese and any additional toppings, while the cheese should be meltable and complementary to the bread.
Ultimately, the best bread for a grilled cheese sandwich comes down to personal preference. Each type of bread offers a unique texture and flavour that can enhance the overall taste and experience of the sandwich.
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Butter or mayo: spread on the outside for a golden crunch
When it comes to achieving a golden crunch on your grilled cheese sandwich, there are two popular options for spreads to use on the outside: butter or mayonnaise. Each has its pros and cons, and some people even advocate for using a combination of the two.
Butter is the classic option, and for good reason. It is creamy and decadent, with a lightly sweet flavour from its milk solids. When cooked, these milk solids transform into brown butter, taking on a nutty, toasty flavour that can enhance the taste of your grilled cheese. However, butter can burn easily, turning from brown butter to burnt butter in a matter of seconds. This can ruin the flavour of your sandwich.
Mayonnaise, on the other hand, has gained popularity as a secret weapon for achieving the perfect golden crust on grilled cheese sandwiches. Made from oil and acid (usually vinegar or lemon), with egg acting as a binder, mayonnaise has a similar fat content to butter but can be spread straight from the fridge. More importantly, it has a higher smoke point, so you don't have to worry about burning your sandwich. This makes it a more forgiving option than butter, giving you more time to achieve the perfect level of browning. However, some people feel that mayonnaise doesn't taste as good as butter, and that the bread doesn't stay crispy as long.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could try combining equal parts mayonnaise and softened butter and spreading the mixture on the exterior of your sandwich. This allows you to reap the flavour benefits of butter while taking advantage of the practical appeals of oil. Just be aware that preparing this mixture is more time-consuming than using either spread alone. Alternatively, you can spread mayonnaise directly on your bread and place a pat of butter in the pan for added decadence.
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Seasoning: salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and garlic
Seasoning is key to enhancing the flavours of your grilled cheese and tomato soup. Here are some tips on how to use salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and garlic to elevate your dish:
Salt
Salt is essential for bringing out the flavours in your dish. When added to the soup, it enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and balances the acidity. It is best to season with salt at the end of cooking, as salt draws out moisture from the tomatoes, which can affect the texture of your soup. Adjust the amount of salt to your taste, but a good starting point is to add 2 teaspoons of salt to a large pot of soup.
Pepper
Pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavour to your soup. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred over pre-ground pepper for its more robust flavour and aroma. Add 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, or adjust to your preference, to your soup towards the end of cooking. You can also sprinkle some pepper on your grilled cheese sandwich to enhance the flavour of the cheese.
Basil
Basil is a classic herb to pair with tomatoes, adding a fresh, sweet, and slightly peppery flavour. When making your soup, add fresh basil leaves at the end of cooking, just before blending, to preserve their delicate flavour and texture. You can also use basil to garnish your soup, adding a few torn or chopped leaves to each bowl. For an extra punch of basil flavour, you can make a basil-infused oil to drizzle over your grilled cheese sandwich.
Oregano
Oregano adds a robust, earthy, and slightly bitter flavour to your soup. It pairs well with tomatoes and enhances their savoury taste. Add dried oregano to your soup at the beginning of cooking, as it needs time to rehydrate and release its flavour. You can also sprinkle a small amount of oregano on your grilled cheese sandwich before grilling, adding a subtle herbal note to the melted cheese.
Garlic
Garlic is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both the soup and grilled cheese. In your soup, sauté garlic cloves or garlic powder along with your onions to build a flavour base. Roasted garlic cloves can also be blended into your soup for a sweeter, milder garlic flavour. For your grilled cheese, try adding thin slices of raw garlic or garlic powder to your sandwich, which will mellow as the garlic cooks.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular cheeses to go with tomato soup are mozzarella, cheddar, smoked gouda, provolone, American, pepperjack, and muenster. However, ultimately any meltable cheese will work well.
White bread, brioche, sourdough, or any artisan bread are all good options for grilled cheese sandwiches. For a healthier option, use 100% whole grain bread.
A basic tomato soup requires canned tomatoes, chicken stock, and butter. Olive oil, garlic, basil, and sugar are also common additions.
Homemade tomato soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 4 months.
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