Tomato Soup's Best Cheese Companion: Finding The Perfect Pair

There are many types of cheese that can be added to tomato soup to enhance its flavour. Cheddar is a popular choice, but mozzarella, gouda, provolone, and smoked gouda are also used. For a more indulgent option, grilled cheese sandwiches are often served on the side.

What type of cheese works best in tomato soup?

Tomato soup is one of the most classic comfort foods. Adding cheese to it can make it even more comforting and indulgent. The best cheeses to add to tomato soup are those that melt well and have a strong flavour that can stand up to the acidity and sweetness of the tomatoes.

Sharp cheddar cheese is a popular choice for tomato soup, as it has a strong flavour and melts well. It can be shredded or sliced and added to the soup while it's heating, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Mozzarella is another popular choice, as it has a mild flavour that won't overpower the tomatoes and melts easily, creating a stringy, stretchy texture. A combination of mozzarella and cheddar is also a great option, as the two cheeses melt and stretch together, creating an indulgent, comforting dish.

Other meltable cheeses that work well in tomato soup include gouda, fontina, provolone, and American cheese. For a more luxurious option, you could use a higher-quality mozzarella or even smoked cheeses. If you're feeling adventurous, you could try a combination of cheddar, smoked gouda, and provolone for a complex, smoky flavour.

To make a simple, classic grilled cheese to pair with your tomato soup, you can use any meltable cheese you prefer. Some popular options include cheddar, muenster, white cheddar, pepper jack, provolone, gouda, fontina, and American cheese. For a more indulgent option, you could use a combination of sliced colby jack and shredded cheddar.

So, the next time you're craving a comforting bowl of tomato soup, don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect combination. Whether you stick with a classic like cheddar or go for something more adventurous like smoked gouda, the possibilities are endless!

What are some good sides to serve with tomato soup?

There are several sides that go well with tomato soup. Here are some ideas:

Sandwiches

The classic sandwich to serve with tomato soup is, of course, a grilled cheese sandwich. You can use any meltable cheese that you like, such as cheddar, mozzarella, muenster, white cheddar, pepperjack, provolone, gouda, or American cheese. For a more indulgent sandwich, try adding some prosciutto or ham, and a sweet balance like fig jam. If you're serving a crowd, you can cook multiple sandwiches at once by assembling them on a sheet pan and cooking them in the oven.

Salads

If you're looking for something lighter, a green salad can go well with tomato soup. A simple kale salad or a beet and goat cheese salad are good options. For something a little heartier, try a BLT-inspired salad with bacon, tomato, and lettuce.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a great side for tomato soup. You could make twice-baked potatoes, roasted smashed potatoes, or air-fried spiralized potatoes.

Other Sides

There are several other sides that would go well with tomato soup. You could try mozzarella sticks, risotto, quiche, meatloaf, or garlic bread.

What are the best types of bread to use for grilled cheese?

When it comes to grilled cheese, the bread you choose is just as important as the cheese itself. The right bread can make or break your sandwich, so here are some of the best types of bread to use for a delicious grilled cheese sandwich:

• Sourdough: Sourdough is a versatile choice for grilled cheese. Its slightly sharp and tangy flavour adds a nice contrast to the richness of the cheese and butter. Look for a loaf with a uniform texture to prevent the melted cheese from leaking out.
• Brioche: Airy and buttery, brioche adds a touch of decadence to your grilled cheese. Its soft yet sturdy texture makes it ideal for pan-frying, but keep an eye on it as it browns more quickly than other breads.
• Pullman Loaf: Tender and rectangular, Pullman loaves are commonly associated with sandwiches. Top it with cheddar, ripe tomato slices, and crispy bacon for a classic grilled cheese experience.
• Rye: Rye bread, with its distinct flavour from rye berries and caraway seeds, adds extra flavour to your grilled cheese. Light rye is made with rye flour, while dark rye uses rye flour and additional ingredients like molasses. Rye pairs well with mild cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or Gouda.
• Multigrain: Thick slices of nutty multigrain bread add fibre and flavour to your grilled cheese. It stands up well to a variety of cheeses, from gooey mozzarella to pungent blue cheese.
• Baguette: Day-old baguettes can be transformed into gourmet grilled cheese. Slice the baguette horizontally, then griddle the cut side for a crispy, golden-brown exterior. Fill it with Camembert and jam or Alpine cheese with caramelized onions.
• Ciabatta: Ciabatta's crusty exterior and bubbly interior make it a great choice for grilled cheese. Stuff it with fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and pesto for a delicious sandwich.
• Focaccia: Give stale focaccia a new life by using it for grilled cheese. Depending on the thickness, you can use two slices or split the focaccia horizontally and fill it with Fontina, roasted red peppers, olives, and fresh herbs.
• Cinnamon Raisin Bread: For a mix of sweet and savoury, cinnamon raisin bread is an unorthodox but tasty option. Pair it with savoury ingredients like bacon and Muenster cheese for a unique grilled cheese experience.

How do you make a healthier version of tomato soup?

How to Make a Healthier Version of Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is a classic recipe, often enjoyed with grilled cheese. While tomatoes are packed with nutrients, traditional tomato soup can be high in fat, sugar, and calories due to the addition of heavy cream and sweeteners. Here are some tips to make a healthier version of this comforting dish:

Choose the Right Tomatoes

Canned or jarred tomatoes are a great option for making tomato soup, and they can be more convenient than fresh tomatoes. Look for quality plum, crushed, diced, or fire-roasted tomatoes, ensuring that you also use the juices in the can or jar for added flavour and nutrition. If using fresh tomatoes, opt for ripe, juicy varieties such as beefsteak, vine ripe, Roma, cherry, or grape tomatoes.

Use a Secret Ingredient for Creaminess

Instead of using heavy cream to achieve a creamy texture, try blending white beans into the soup. This adds creaminess, protein, and fibre, making the soup more filling and nutritious. Cannellini beans are an excellent choice due to their creamy texture.

Sauté Aromatics for Flavour

Start by sautéing aromatics such as onions, carrots, and garlic in a small amount of olive oil or butter. This step adds depth of flavour to the soup. Sweet onions are a great choice, but white or yellow onions can also be used. If you want to avoid tears while chopping onions, you can use frozen chopped onions instead.

Add Vegetables for Nutrition and Balance

Include an assortment of vegetables to boost the nutritional profile of your soup. Carrots are an excellent choice as they add sweetness and help balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Other options include sweet potatoes, spinach, and bell peppers. Sautéing the vegetables with the aromatics will enhance their flavour and ensure they are properly cooked.

Use Vegetable Broth or Stock

Instead of using cream or dairy, opt for vegetable broth or low-sodium vegetable or chicken stock to add flavour and thin the consistency of the soup. This helps reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

Thicken with Tomato Paste

To naturally thicken the soup and enhance the tomato flavour, add tomato paste. This ingredient also adds a rich, umami flavour to the dish.

Season with Fresh Herbs

For the best flavour, use fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley. Add the herbs towards the end of cooking to preserve their delicate flavour and aroma. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but fresh herbs will elevate your soup.

Enhance with Cheese

While cheese adds flavour and creaminess to tomato soup, opt for shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of both. You can also sprinkle a little extra cheese on top of each bowl before serving for an extra indulgent touch.

Control Portion Size

Remember to be mindful of your portion sizes. A serving of tomato soup is typically around 1-1.5 cups. Enjoy your soup with a side of bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete and satisfying meal.

By following these tips, you can create a healthier version of classic tomato soup without sacrificing flavour or texture. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and find the perfect balance of taste and nutrition that suits your preferences.

What are some good alternatives to balsamic vinegar?

While cheddar is the most popular cheese to add to tomato soup, other types of cheese such as mozzarella, muenster, white cheddar, pepper jack, provolone, havarti, fontina, gouda, and American cheese can also be used. For instance, a combination of mozzarella and cheddar or colby jack and unexpected cheddar also works well.

Now, here are some good alternatives to balsamic vinegar:

Red Wine Vinegar and a Sweetener

Red wine vinegar can be used as a base for a balsamic vinegar substitute, as it is similar in taste to balsamic vinegar. To incorporate the slight molasses flavour of balsamic vinegar, add a sweetener such as brown sugar, granulated sugar, or honey. For every tablespoon of vinegar, add 1/2 a teaspoon of sweetener and adjust until the desired sweetness and thickness are achieved.

Grape Jelly, Red Wine Vinegar, and Soy Sauce

Since balsamic vinegar is made from grapes, adding grape jelly to red wine vinegar can be a good substitute. For every 1.5 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, substitute it with 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of grape jelly, and 1/2 a teaspoon of soy sauce.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Balsamic vinaigrette is a blend of balsamic vinegar and olive oil and is often used as a salad dressing. It can be used as a 1:1 substitute for balsamic vinegar in recipes and may even bring out more flavour in your food.

Lemon Juice, Molasses, and Soy Sauce

This combination may be unconventional, but it captures the right notes of balsamic vinegar. Lemon juice adds acidity, molasses impart sweetness and colour, and soy sauce add umami. Simply mix equal parts of these three ingredients.

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