The Perfect Pair: Grilled Cheese And Tomato Soup Companions

Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic comfort food combination. While some people prefer to enjoy this duo as is, others like to add a few sides to elevate the meal. Sides can include salads, such as a Mediterranean salad, or finger foods like French fries or mozzarella sticks. You can also add toppings to your soup, like freshly cracked black pepper, crispy bacon bits, or roasted chickpeas. If you're feeling creative, you can experiment with different types of cheese and bread for your grilled cheese sandwich.

Salads: arugula, apple, pine nuts, and sweet vinaigrette

Salads are a great side dish to serve with grilled cheese and tomato soup. A salad of arugula, apples, pine nuts, and a sweet vinaigrette is a perfect example of this. The pepperiness, sweetness, sourness, and crunch of the salad provide a contrast to the fattiness of the grilled cheese and the robust, deep flavour of the tomato soup.

Arugula, also known as rocket, is a type of leafy green vegetable with a peppery flavour. It adds a nice bite to the salad and pairs well with the sweetness of the apples. Apples are a great source of natural sugar and fibre, and their crisp texture makes them perfect for salads. Pine nuts, on the other hand, provide a crunchy texture and a nutty flavour. They are also a good source of healthy fats, protein, and various vitamins and minerals.

To bring all the ingredients together, a sweet vinaigrette is the perfect choice. A vinaigrette is a mixture of oil and vinegar, often seasoned with salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices. For this particular salad, a sweet variety such as white balsamic or maple mustard vinaigrette is recommended. The sweetness of the vinaigrette will complement the arugula, apples, and pine nuts, while the vinegar will add a pleasant tanginess to the dish.

When serving grilled cheese and tomato soup, this salad will provide a refreshing and healthy contrast to the rich flavours of the main course. The different textures and flavours in the salad will also add interest and depth to the overall dining experience.

Crackers

When choosing crackers to go with grilled cheese and tomato soup, opt for a variety that is sturdy enough to hold up to dipping. You don't want them to become soggy too quickly. Look for crackers that are on the thicker side, with a dense texture. Whole grain crackers, for example, can add a nice nutty flavour to the mix.

You can also experiment with different types of crackers to find your preferred taste combination. For a classic option, try water crackers or saltines, which have a neutral flavour that won't overpower the other components of your meal. For a more indulgent choice, consider cheese crackers, such as Cheez-Its or Goldfish crackers, which will enhance the cheesiness of the dish. If you're feeling adventurous, there are also a variety of flavoured crackers on the market, such as everything crackers, cracked pepper crackers, or even crackers with a hint of truffle.

To elevate your cracker game even further, consider adding some toppings. Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or chives can add a burst of flavour. You could also try spreading a thin layer of cream cheese or goat cheese on each cracker, or creating small cracker sandwiches with sliced cheese and your choice of cold cuts.

So, the next time you're enjoying grilled cheese and tomato soup, don't forget to include some crackers on the side for that extra crunch and flavour!

Pickles

Pickle Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

The classic combination of a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup is a well-loved comfort food. Adding pickles to your sandwich is a fun twist that can elevate the flavours and textures of this simple dish. Here are some suggestions for creating delicious pickle grilled cheese sandwiches:

• Bread: Sourdough, whole wheat, rye, or white bread are all great options. Sourdough adds a nice tangy flavour, while rye can give your sandwich a unique texture and taste. You can also use gluten-free bread if needed.
• Butter: Spread butter on the outside of the bread slices to get that golden brown, crispy exterior. Softened butter for easy spreading, and don't skimp on it! Butter is key to getting that perfect grilled cheese texture.
• Cheese: Cheddar is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches because of its sharp, rich flavour and melting capabilities. However, you can also experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey jack, Gruyere, gouda, provolone, or even a combination of cheeses.
• Pickles: Dill pickles are the classic choice, but you can also use bread and butter pickles for a sweeter taste. Thinly slice the pickles and pat them dry before adding them to your sandwich to prevent sogginess. You can also add pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Assembly: Spread butter on the outside of your bread slices. On the inside, spread a layer of mayo or mustard for extra flavour (optional). Add a slice of cheese, followed by a layer of pickles, and then top with another slice of cheese. Close the sandwich with another buttered bread slice.
• Cooking: Heat a skillet or sauté pan over medium-low to medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Be careful not to burn the sandwich—cooking at a lower temperature will allow the cheese to melt without burning the bread.
• Serving: These sandwiches are best served hot and fresh. Cut the sandwich into triangles or strips ("soldiers") to dip into your tomato soup.

Sides and Toppings

If you want to make your grilled cheese and tomato soup meal even more special, here are some ideas for sides and toppings:

• Salad: A fresh, crisp side salad can balance out the richness of the grilled cheese. Try an arugula salad with apples, pine nuts, and a sweet vinaigrette, or a Mediterranean salad with healthy ingredients.
• Fries: French fries, sweet potato fries, or truffle fries are classic comfort food sides that pair well with grilled cheese and tomato soup.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon bits can be a tasty topping for your tomato soup, adding a savoury crunch.
• Herbs: Freshly chopped herbs like parsley, chives, cilantro, or basil can be sprinkled on top of your soup for added flavour and colour.
• Crackers: Simple crackers can be a nice side to dip into your soup if you're looking for something crunchy.
• Beverages: A cold beer or plain seltzer water can be a refreshing drink to pair with your meal.

So, there you have it! Pickles can be a delicious addition to your grilled cheese and tomato soup meal, either as a sandwich ingredient or as a crunchy side. Get creative, and enjoy your comfort food feast!

Green apple slices and seltzer water

Green apples, such as Granny Smith apples, are particularly well-suited for this combination as their tartness balances out the other flavours in the meal. The apple slices can be added directly to the grilled cheese sandwich, providing a textural contrast to the melted cheese and a flavour contrast to the saltiness of the cheese. Alternatively, the apple slices can be served on the side, providing a refreshing bite between mouthfuls of grilled cheese and tomato soup.

Seltzer water is a great choice to accompany this meal as it is plain and neutral, allowing the flavours of the grilled cheese and tomato soup to shine. The carbonation in the seltzer water also helps to cut through the richness of the grilled cheese and provides a refreshing, palate-cleansing sip.

Together, the green apple slices and seltzer water provide a contrast of flavours and textures that complement and enhance the grilled cheese and tomato soup. The tart, crisp apple slices and the refreshing seltzer water help to balance out the richness and acidity of the meal, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.

Garlic bread

Grilled cheese and tomato soup are a classic combination, but have you ever considered adding garlic bread to the mix? This trio is a match made in heaven, taking your comfort food to the next level. Here's why garlic bread is the ideal side to elevate your grilled cheese and tomato soup experience.

The Delicious Duo of Garlic and Bread

Cheese, the Star Ingredient

The real star of the show, however, is the cheese. For the ultimate garlic bread, a combination of cheeses is ideal. Mozzarella, Parmesan, Cheddar, and Gouda are excellent choices, as they melt together to create a gooey, flavorful masterpiece. The mozzarella and Gouda provide a delightful texture contrast, while the Parmesan and Cheddar lend more subtle, balanced flavors. This blend of cheeses creates a depth of flavor that takes your grilled cheese and tomato soup to new heights.

The Perfect Textural Contrast

In addition to flavor, garlic bread contributes a satisfying textural contrast to the meal. The crisp edges of the bread and the soft, buttery interior create a delightful crunch with every bite. This contrast complements the smoothness of the soup and the gooeyness of the grilled cheese, making each mouthful a textural delight.

A Hearty and Flavorful Bite

The beauty of garlic bread lies in its ability to stand on its own as a tasty treat. However, when paired with grilled cheese and tomato soup, it becomes a side that enhances the entire dining experience. The garlic bread can be dipped into the soup, soaking up all its creamy goodness. Alternatively, it can be the vessel for your grilled cheese, providing a crunchy base for the melted cheese.

A Versatile Dish

So, the next time you're whipping up a batch of grilled cheese and tomato soup, don't forget to include garlic bread as your sidekick. It's the perfect trio that will satisfy all your comfort food cravings and impress your taste buds!

Frequently asked questions