Tomato Soup and more
As the weather drops, I begin to yearn for a good hot bowl of soup paired with a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s the ultimate meal to warm both the belly and soul—my favorite cold afternoon lunch.
Growing up, my mom would often make tomato soup and grilled cheese for me. At the time, it wasn’t my favorite meal, but it filled me up and kept me warm, which was good enough. She used Campbell’s tomato soup, Wonder Bread, and Velveeta cheese for the sandwich. If you were a child of the 1980s, you’ll probably remember those lunches. They were simple yet comforting, especially after an afternoon of playing in the snow.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve discovered there’s so much more to the world of soup than canned Campbell’s. Homemade tomato soup is now my go-to—packed with vegetables, creamy fats, and rich flavors. The best part? I can sneak in veggies my husband doesn’t like to eat!
The grilled cheese sandwiches I grew up with were made with Wonder Bread and Velveeta cheese, but as I got older, I found myself gravitating toward sharp cheddar and exploring other cheeses. When my kids were growing up, I loved experimenting with grilled cheese by trying different cheeses and using real butter. My daughter took it a step further, adding her own creative twists. This opened our world of grilled cheese to endless possibilities.
Today, my version of this classic lunch has evolved into a flavorful celebration. I make tomato soup from scratch, incorporating nutrient-packed vegetables and rich fats. The grilled cheese sandwiches, on the other hand, are no longer just bread and cheese; they’re layered creations featuring proteins, cheeses, and even vegetables like avocado.
Below is my go-to tomato soup recipe, a favorite in our home. I’ve also included ideas for garnishes and sandwich additions to inspire your creativity.
I also want you to know that I have added both sugar and baking soda to my Tomato Soup recipe. This is to cut some of the acidity in your Tomato soup. People who have acid reflux or just has trouble with high acidity food will find this comforting to them. I know my husband does.
Tomato Soup Garnishes
Goldfish crackers
Shredded cheese
Sour cream
Chives
Salsa
Crumbled crackers
Pepperoni
Avocado
Pickles or hot pickles
Grilled Cheese Sandwich Additions
Ham
Turkey
Bacon
Any type of cheese
Pickles or hot pickles
Avocado
Tomatoes
Peppers
Butter
Mayo spread
I’ve also included my mayo spread recipe, perfect for adding richness to your sandwich. Some of my family aren’t fans of it, but I love the extra flavor it brings.
