Cheese And Soup: The Perfect Melty Match

Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic comfort food combination. The tanginess and richness of the soup complement the crunch of the grilled cheese, making it a popular choice for a hearty meal. While the soup can be made with fresh or canned tomatoes, the grilled cheese sandwich typically features a combination of cheeses, such as American, cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack, to achieve the perfect melt.

Mozzarella and jack cheese

Choosing the Right Cheeses

• Mozzarella: This cheese has a mild flavour and is naturally melty, making it perfect for achieving the desired cheese pull in your sandwich. Opt for low-moisture mozzarella, as fresh mozzarella can prevent the sandwich from getting golden brown and crisp.
• Jack Cheese: There are different varieties of Jack cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Colby Jack. These cheeses melt beautifully and add a slight tang to your sandwich.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Here's a step-by-step guide to creating delicious grilled cheese sandwiches with Mozzarella and Jack cheese:

• Ingredients: You will need sliced bread of your choice (such as sourdough or whole grain), unsalted butter, fresh basil (optional), and your chosen cheeses—Mozzarella and Jack cheese.
• Prepare the Cheese: For the perfect blend, mix shredded Mozzarella and Jack cheese in a bowl. If using fresh basil, chop it finely and add it to the cheese mixture for extra flavour.
• Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Generously sprinkle the cheese mixture on the unbuttered side of one slice, then top it with another slice, ensuring the buttered side faces outwards. Repeat this process to make more sandwiches.
• Cooking Instructions: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. If needed, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan to help melt the cheese without burning the bread.

Pairing with Tomato Soup

The classic pairing of grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup is a timeless comfort food combination. Here's how to make the most of this duo:

• Tomato Soup Options: You can opt for a creamy tomato soup made with fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. Alternatively, go for a simpler version using canned tomatoes.
• Grilled Cheese and Soup Combination: The tangy and rich tomato soup perfectly complements the buttery, cheesy crunch of the grilled cheese sandwich. Dunking your sandwich into the soup is the classic way to enjoy this duo, but you can also eat them separately or pour the soup over the sandwich.

Customisation Ideas

While the combination of Mozzarella and Jack cheese is delicious on its own, here are some ideas to customise your grilled cheese sandwiches further:

• Cheese Combinations: Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as Mozzarella with Gruyère, Havarti, or Pepper Jack. You can also add Parmesan to the mix for an extra crispy texture.
• Bread Options: Sourdough or whole grain bread works well, but feel free to use softer sliced bread, brioche, or sourdough for variety.
• Spreads and Add-Ins: Try spreading garlic butter or mayonnaise on the bread for added flavour. You can also add cooked bacon, jalapeños, or sun-dried tomatoes to your sandwich for a savoury kick.

Remember, the key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is a generous amount of cheese and slow cooking to ensure the cheese melts perfectly without burning the bread. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations to find your favourite grilled cheese and tomato soup experience!

Sourdough bread, American cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, mayo

The Perfect Grilled Cheese to Pair with Tomato Soup

There's nothing quite like a grilled cheese sandwich and a bowl of tomato soup. The combination is a classic for a reason, and with the right ingredients, it can become a delicious, comforting meal.

For the cheese, a combination of American cheese and sharp cheddar is an excellent choice. American cheese has a creamy texture and a mild, salty flavour that melts beautifully and provides a lovely stretch—a must for grilled cheese. The sharp cheddar adds a more robust, tangy flavour to the sandwich and also melts well, providing a great contrast to the soup.

To enhance the flavour and texture of the grilled cheese, consider adding a spread of mayonnaise to the bread. Mayo helps to crisp up the sandwich and adds a rich, savoury note. For the bread, sourdough is an ideal choice. Its slightly tangy flavour and chewy texture stand up well to the cheese and soup. Sourdough also toasts beautifully, creating a golden, crispy exterior while remaining soft and airy on the inside, perfect for dipping into the soup.

To assemble, spread a thin layer of mayo on the slices of sourdough. Then, add a layer of American cheese, followed by a layer of sharp cheddar. Top it off with another slice of sourdough, and butter the outside of the sandwich. Grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted and golden. Serve alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food experience.

With these simple ingredients and preparation tips, you'll have a delicious, gooey grilled cheese sandwich that pairs perfectly with the tangy sweetness of tomato soup.

Smoked gouda, fig jam, prosciutto

Smoked Gouda, Fig Jam, and Prosciutto Grilled Cheese

Ingredients

• Smoked gouda
• Fig jam
• Prosciutto
• Bread (sourdough, brioche, or ciabatta)
• Butter
• Optional: Goat cheese, basil, and sundried tomatoes

Method

• Spread fig jam on one slice of bread.
• Layer the prosciutto on the other slice.
• Add the cheese. If you're adding goat cheese, spread it on the slice with the fig jam.
• If you're adding basil and sundried tomatoes, sprinkle them on top of the goat cheese.
• Put the two slices together.
• Melt butter in a pan on medium heat.
• Place the sandwich in the pan and cook until each side is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Serving Suggestions

This gourmet grilled cheese sandwich is a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavours. It can be served with a crisp salad or a bowl of soup. For a fun presentation, try making soup shots and grilled cheese dippers.

Colby jack, sharp American cheddar, garlic and herb Boursin

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup: The Perfect Comfort Combination

There's nothing quite like a grilled cheese sandwich and a bowl of tomato soup to warm you up on a chilly day. The key to this classic comfort food combination is achieving the perfect balance of flavours and textures.

Enter Colby Jack, Sharp American Cheddar, and Garlic and Herb Boursin Cheeses

These three cheeses, when combined, create a delicious harmony of tanginess, creaminess, and meltability that takes your grilled cheese to the next level. Here's how:

Colby Jack Cheese

Colby Jack is a classic choice for grilled cheese, known for its mild flavour and excellent melting capabilities. It provides a subtle tang and that coveted cheese pull that makes grilled cheese so satisfying.

Sharp American Cheddar Cheese

American cheddar adds a sharp, nutty flavour to the grilled cheese. It also melts beautifully, contributing to the gooey, stretchy texture that is essential for a top-notch grilled cheese.

Garlic and Herb Boursin Cheese

Boursin is a creamy, spreadable cheese with a fine texture. The garlic and herb variety adds a unique, sophisticated flavour to the grilled cheese, infusing it with a hint of garlic and a blend of aromatic herbs. This cheese also contributes to the creaminess of the grilled cheese, ensuring a smooth and indulgent mouthfeel.

Putting It All Together

To make the ultimate grilled cheese to pair with your tomato soup, simply combine these three cheeses in a grilled sandwich. For the best results, use a combination of grated and sliced cheese, and cook your sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.

The Perfect Pairing

The tanginess of the Colby Jack and sharp American cheddar, along with the creaminess of the garlic and herb Boursin, creates a grilled cheese that is truly exceptional. When paired with a bowl of warm tomato soup, the flavours come together in perfect harmony. The acidity of the tomatoes cuts through the richness of the grilled cheese, creating a delightful contrast that will leave you craving more.

Low-fat cheese, whole grain bread

A healthier take on the classic grilled cheese and tomato soup combination can be achieved by opting for low-fat or vegan cheese and whole grain bread. This version retains the comfort and flavour of the original while offering nutritional benefits.

Tomato Soup

A good tomato soup starts with ripe, in-season tomatoes, though canned whole tomatoes can also be used. To build flavour, roast the tomatoes with aromatics such as garlic, basil, and olive oil before blending them into a soup. For added depth, balsamic vinegar, basil, and garlic are excellent additions. A pinch of chilli flakes will add a subtle kick, and a little sugar can temper the acidity of the tomatoes.

To make the soup, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and basil in butter or olive oil until soft. Then, add the roasted tomatoes and tomato paste to this base, along with stock or broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, and finish with a swirl of cream if desired.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

For the grilled cheese sandwich, a combination of meltable cheeses works well. Low-moisture mozzarella, cheddar, muenster, white cheddar, pepper jack, provolone, havarti, fontina, gouda, and American cheese are all great options. To assemble the sandwich, butter two slices of whole grain bread and layer on the cheese. Cook the sandwich in a pan over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic comfort food pairing that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. For a fun presentation, cut the grilled cheese into bite-sized sticks or "fingers" for dipping into the soup. Alternatively, serve the soup in mugs for a cozy and interactive experience. For a heartier meal, add crispy bacon or sundried tomatoes to the sandwich, or include roasted red peppers and smoked paprika in the soup.

Frequently asked questions