Description
Warm up with a comforting Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole, combining the velvety richness of homemade or canned tomato soup with the crispy, gooey goodness of layered grilled cheese sandwiches baked into a hearty, nostalgic dish perfect for cozy nights and satisfying meals.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Tomato Soup
- 4 cups canned or homemade tomato soup
- 1 cup milk or cream
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Pinch of dried basil or oregano (optional)
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- 8 slices classic white or sourdough bread
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella or gouda cheese, shredded (optional for extra gooeyness)
Optional Add-ins & Variations
- Fresh basil or thyme for herb infusion
- Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for spice
- Gluten-free bread (for gluten-free option)
- Sautéed spinach, tomatoes, or mushrooms
- Cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomato Soup: Warm the tomato soup in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in milk or cream until the texture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and dried basil or oregano if using. Set aside to slightly cool while making the grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Make the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place bread butter-side down in a skillet over medium heat. Layer with shredded cheese generously, then top with another bread slice, butter-side up. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from heat and slice each sandwich into pieces.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish. Spread a thin layer of tomato soup on the bottom. Arrange a layer of grilled cheese sandwich pieces over the soup. Ladle more tomato soup over the grilled cheese pieces. Repeat layering if your dish is deep enough, finishing with a layer of soup on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole uncovered in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbling and heated through. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes to help the layers set before serving.
Notes
- Choose sturdy, thick slices of bread to hold up during layering and baking.
- Combine sharp cheddar with mozzarella or gouda for optimal meltiness and flavor.
- Avoid soaking the bread excessively in soup to prevent sogginess and maintain layers.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing to keep it intact.
- Optionally sprinkle extra cheese or Parmesan on top before baking for a crispy crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg