Kamil Perry
Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic comfort food combination. The simplicity of a grilled cheese sandwich and a bowl of tomato soup makes for a quick and easy meal that can be served for lunch or dinner. While this pairing is delicious on its own, there are several ways to elevate this dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Side dish or appetizer |
| Texture | Crunchy, crispy, crusty, soft, fluffy, toasted, golden brown |
| Flavour | Sweet, sour, salty, peppery, tangy, acidic, fatty, rich |
| Ingredients | Bread, cheese, butter, cream, milk, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, potatoes, meat, fruits, vegetables |
| Specific examples | Salad, arugula, apples, pine nuts, vinaigrette, maple mustard, mozzarella sticks, risotto, meatloaf, beet and goat cheese salad, air fryer garlic bread, croutons, smoked cheese, prosciutto ham, pickles |
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What You'll Learn
Salads
Arugula Salad
Arugula, also known as rocket, has a subtle peppery taste that can stand up to the robust flavours of tomato soup and grilled cheese. Try it with a red wine vinaigrette or a dressing made from lemon juice, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and salt for a sweet and savoury contrast to the fattiness of the grilled cheese.
Mediterranean Salad
This salad features crunchy vegetables, hearty chickpeas, and creamy feta cheese. It's a great option if you want a veggie-packed salad without too many leafy greens.
Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
The intense, tangy flavour of goat cheese pairs well with tomato soup, and adding crumbled goat cheese to a salad is a simpler and more affordable alternative to using it in a sandwich.
Broccoli Salad
Full of flavour and texture, this salad works surprisingly well with grilled cheese sandwiches.
Spinach Salad
This salad features balsamic vinegar poppy seed dressing, mixed berries, and crunchy nuts. The sweetness of the dressing and berries will contrast nicely with the savoury soup and sandwich.
Italian Radicchio Salad
This salad is dressed in a creamy lemon-vinaigrette and tossed with buttery olives, tasty breadcrumbs, and nutty parmesan cheese. The bitterness of the radicchio is balanced out by the creamy dressing and salty, buttery olives.
Fennel and Chickpea Salad
This salad is tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette and topped with parmesan. It's a perfect make-ahead salad that can be prepared in advance for a potluck or lunch.
Ham Salad Pinwheels
These pinwheels are simple to make and pack a punch of flavour. They can be served as an appetizer or finger food alongside the main course of grilled cheese and tomato soup.
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Appetisers
Firstly, stuffed mushrooms or jalapeño poppers are excellent choices to spark your appetite. These appetisers offer a contrast in flavours and textures, preparing your palate for the main event.
If you're looking for something refreshing, a green salad is a perfect choice. Arugula, with its subtle peppery notes, pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the tomato soup. You can also add a tangy twist with a beet and goat cheese salad, which is a more filling option. For a fruity twist, a salad of arugula, apples, pine nuts, and a sweet vinaigrette like white balsamic or maple mustard can cut through the richness of the grilled cheese.
For a heartier appetiser, mozzarella sticks are a fun option. You can dip them directly into the tomato soup for a unique flavour combination. Fried mozzarella puffs are another tasty alternative, which are easier to prepare and provide a similar indulgent experience.
Lastly, if you're a fan of potatoes, consider making smashed potatoes. These combine the best of home fries, mashed potatoes, French fries, and potato pancakes. They offer a crispy, buttery exterior with a fluffy interior, making them perfect for dipping into the soup. Alternatively, you can make spiralized potatoes in your air fryer or oven for a lighter, crispier option.
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Sides
There are many side dishes that can be served alongside grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Here are some ideas:
Salads are a great option to pair with the grilled cheese and tomato soup. A green salad with arugula, apples, pine nuts, and a sweet vinaigrette such as white balsamic or maple mustard can provide a nice contrast in flavours and textures. The pepperiness of the arugula, along with the sweetness of the apples and the crunch of the pine nuts, can complement the richness of the grilled cheese and the acidity of the tomato soup. Another salad option is a BLT-inspired salad with bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes, tied together with a mayonnaise dressing. This salad has a crunchy and flavorful profile that can hold its own against the robust flavour of the soup.
If you're looking for something heartier, there are several options to choose from. Mozzarella sticks, risotto, potatoes, or even meatloaf can be a great pairing. Smashed potatoes, which combine the best parts of home fries, mashed potatoes, French fries, and potato pancakes, can be a crispy and buttery side dish. Spiralized potatoes, which are light, fine, and crispy, can be fun to dip into the tomato soup or sprinkle on top. Meatloaf muffins are another option that captures the flavours of ketchup and tomato soup in a bite-sized form.
For those who want a lighter option, fresh fruit like kiwi or berries can be a refreshing contrast to the salt and fat in the grilled cheese and tomato soup. Pickles can also help cut through the richness of the meal.
Finally, if you're looking for a more indulgent side, fried mozzarella puffs or sticks can be a fun and easy-to-make addition. They can be dipped directly into the tomato soup or used as a topping.
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Drinks
When it comes to drinks, there are several options that can perfectly complement grilled cheese and tomato soup. Here are some ideas to consider:
Beer
A cold beer is often recommended as the perfect beverage to accompany grilled cheese and tomato soup. The crispness and slight bitterness of a hopped lager or any other crisp beer can help cut through the richness and fattiness of the dish.
Wine
If you prefer wine, a dry variety is generally a good choice to pair with the sweetness of the tomato soup and grilled cheese. A dry white wine, such as a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, can provide a nice contrast. Alternatively, a dry sparkling or still white wine like Cava or Sancerre can add a touch of elegance. If you're a red wine enthusiast, consider a Barolo, which has a nice round flavour that won't be too sweet, striking a perfect balance with the cheese and tomatoes.
Cocktails
For a more spirited option, consider cocktails that are crisp and/or acidic to counterbalance the richness of the meal. A Bloody Mary or a Caesar can be excellent choices. Other options include a Cuba Libre, Long Island Iced Tea, Gin-Gin Mule, Mojito, Paloma, or Tom Collins. Avoid overly sweet cocktails, as they might clash with the flavours of the dish.
Non-alcoholic Alternatives
If you're looking for non-alcoholic options, plain seltzer water can be a refreshing choice, especially when paired with green apple slices. You could also try chilled green tea or herbal infusions, which can provide a nice contrast to the warmth of the soup and sandwich.
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Desserts
When it comes to desserts, there are plenty of options to serve with grilled cheese and tomato soup. Firstly, consider whether you want a sweet or savoury dessert. If you're craving something sweet, opt for something that will complement the savoury flavours of the main course. For instance, if you're serving honey-glazed ham alongside the grilled cheese and tomato soup, apple pie or blueberry cobbler would be excellent choices.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter option, chocolate mousse or key lime pie are perfect. The rich chocolate flavour of the mousse or the tart lime flavour of the pie will offset the salty taste of the cheese and the soup's savoury notes. If you're short on time, a simple yet effective dessert option is to serve espresso, especially if your guests are not big fans of sweet or savoury foods.
For a dessert that is both savoury and sweet, cheesecake is an excellent choice. Its creaminess and richness, without being overly sweet, make it a great pairing with grilled cheese and tomato soup. The sweetness of the tomatoes in the soup will complement the saltiness of the cheese, and the sourness of the lemon juice in the cheesecake will cut through the other flavours.
Carrot cake is another dessert option that pairs well with grilled cheese and tomato soup. The moist and dense cake, packed with carrots, provides a satisfying contrast to the savoury flavours of the main course.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many options to serve alongside grilled cheese and tomato soup. For a lighter option, a salad can complement the soup's robust flavor without compromising it. You could try a beet and goat cheese salad, or arugula, apple, and pine nut salad with a sweet vinaigrette. If you want something more indulgent, you could try mozzarella sticks, risotto, potatoes, or even meatloaf.
To make this meal healthier, you can skip the butter and cream in the soup. You can also use whole grain bread and low-fat or vegan cheese for the sandwich. You could also serve the soup with grilled potatoes and herbs, or a side of pickles.
Some appetizer options to serve before the main course include stuffed mushrooms or jalapeño poppers.
