Preparing Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese can be a delightful and straightforward endeavor. Just follow these steps:

1. Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Mix Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, broth, sugar, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
6. Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer it in batches to a blender.
7. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and heat for another 5 minutes without boiling.
8. Prepare Sandwiches: While the soup simmers, butter one side of each slice of bread.
9. Assemble Grilled Cheese: Place a slice of cheese between two slices of bread, buttered side out.
10. Grill Sandwiches: In a skillet over medium heat, grill the sandwiches until golden brown on each side and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
11. Slice Sandwiches: Once grilled, remove and slice the sandwiches into halves or quarters.
12. Serve: Ladle the tomato soup into bowls and serve with grilled cheese sandwiches on the side.

How to Serve

When it comes to serving Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese, consider the following tips for an inviting presentation:

1. Bowls and Plates: Use deep, elegant bowls for the soup, and place the grilled cheese on a separate plate.
2. Garnish: Consider garnishing the soup with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil for added flair.
3. Dipping Style: Encourage diners to dip their grilled cheese into the soup for maximum enjoyment.
4. Accompaniments: Add a side salad or fruit for a balanced meal. A light salad can enhance the experience, while fruit adds a refreshing touch.
5. Beverage Pairing: Serve with a glass of iced tea, lemonade, or a robust glass of red wine for a sophisticated twist.

With these serving suggestions, your meal will not only be delicious but also visually appealing, inviting your guests to dig in and relish every comforting bite.

Enjoy creating and sharing this Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese recipe, a timeless dish that is sure to become a family favorite!