Easy Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese

A comforting, family-friendly casserole combining creamy tomato soup with layers of buttery, cheesy bread, baked to golden perfection.

I first made this casserole on a chilly weekend when my kids couldn&t decide between soup or sandwiches. Baking both together became our new favorite way to enjoy these classic flavors, and now we request it on cozy nights in.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing vegetables
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Crushed tomatoes: 2 cans (14 oz each)
• Vegetable broth: 2 cups
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon
• Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
• Dried oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
• Heavy cream: 1/2 cup
• Sourdough or country bread: 8 slices
• Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons, softened
• Sharp cheddar cheese: 2 cups (8 oz), shredded
• Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (4 oz), shredded

Instructions

Wash produce, prep ingredients, rinse cookware, and streamline cooking tasks with an all-in-one sink workstation.

Check price on Amazon

Prepare Oven and Casserole Dish:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

Make Tomato Soup:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream.

Butter Bread and Assemble Sandwiches:

Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Top 4 slices, butter-side down, with cheddar and mozzarella. Cover with remaining bread, buttered side up, to make 4 sandwiches.

Grill Cheese Sandwiches:

Heat a skillet over medium. Grill sandwiches 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Cool slightly, then cut each sandwich into quarters.

Layer Casserole:

Pour half the tomato soup into casserole dish. Arrange half the sandwich pieces over soup. Pour remaining soup, then top with remaining sandwiches.

Bake and Finish:

Bake uncovered 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Save to Pinterest

My family requests this casserole every time cold weather rolls in. There&s something so comforting about the crispy cheesy bread soaking up warm tomato soup, and we always end dinner feeling happy and satisfied.

Required Tools

Large pot, skillet, 9x13-inch casserole dish, knife, cutting board, spatula

Allergen Information

Contains wheat and milk. Check bread and cheese labels for hidden soy or other allergens if needed.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 440 calories, 25 g fat, 38 g carbohydrates, 15 g protein

Save to Pinterest

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Enjoy this comforting bake straight from the oven with your favorite salad. It&s cozy, satisfying, and guaranteed to warm you up.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?

Grilling the sandwiches before layering helps to keep the bread crisp. Also, spreading butter on the bread adds a protective barrier that resists soaking.

→ Can I substitute the cheeses?

Gruyère or provolone can be used as alternatives to cheddar and mozzarella for a different flavor profile while maintaining meltiness.

→ What herbs enhance the tomato base?

Dried basil and oregano add aromatic depth and complement the richness of the tomato and cream mixture well.

→ Is there a way to add spice to this dish?

Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato base before baking introduces a gentle heat without overpowering the flavors.

→ Can this be made gluten-free?

Using gluten-free bread options works well and preserves the texture of the casserole while catering to dietary needs.

→ What side dishes pair well?

A light salad or crisp white wine complements the richness of the tomato and cheesy bread layers beautifully.