Save Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Shooters are the perfect way to bring a touch of nostalgia and elegance to your next gathering. Creamy tomato soup is served piping hot in mini glasses while golden grilled cheese dippers invite everyone to enjoy that classic comfort combo in a fun bite-sized form. This recipe turns a childhood favorite into a crowd-pleasing appetizer that feels special but is secretly effortless.
This was a hit at my last birthday get-together and friends always ask for the recipe. I love watching people’s faces light up as they dunk crispy cheese dippers into velvety soup.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness to both soup and sandwich Choose cultured butter for deeper flavor
- Yellow onion: Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and body Look for firm onions with shiny skin
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives aromatic depth Buy bulbs that are heavy and plump
- Crushed tomatoes: Quality tomatoes are essential for vibrant soup Choose a reputable brand with no added sugar for best flavor
- Vegetable broth: Adds savory backbone opt for low sodium if possible
- Granulated sugar: Just a little sugar balances tomato acidity Do not skip or soup may taste overly sharp
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper: Balances and brightens flavors Use flaky salt and grind pepper fresh for best impact
- Heavy cream: Gives richness and a silky texture Choose cream with a higher fat percentage for best texture
- Fresh basil: Brings fragrant freshness Pick bright green leaves without dark spots
- White or sourdough bread: Choose sturdy bread for crispy grilled cheese Try a bakery loaf for best crunch
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides bold melty flavor Use aged cheddar if possible for a stronger taste
- Shot glasses or small cups: Essential for serving as shooters
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Melt unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat Cook chopped onion gently for four to five minutes until soft and translucent Stir often to prevent browning then add minced garlic and continue to cook for one minute This slow cooking brings out maximum sweetness from the onion and releases the garlic fragrance
- Build the Soup Base:
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth Add sugar salt and pepper Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium heat The sugar neutralizes acidity at this stage and broth deepens the flavor Simmer uncovered for fifteen minutes Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the pan
- Blend in the Creamy Finish:
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and chopped basil The cream creates a silky texture and the basil provides a fresh lift Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree everything until smooth If using a blender work in batches to avoid splattering Keep soup warm over low heat
- Prepare the Grilled Cheese:
- Lay out bread slices and spread butter evenly across one side Top with sharp cheddar and close sandwiches buttered sides out Heat a skillet over medium Place sandwiches in skillet and cook two to three minutes per side Flip with a spatula when the first side is golden brown and cheese begins to melt Cook till both sides are crisp and cheese is gooey
- Cut and Serve Grilled Cheese Dippers:
- Let sandwiches cool slightly on a board Use a sharp knife to slice each into four or five strips Wide enough to dip but easy to handle
- Assemble the Shooters:
- Fill shot glasses or small cups almost to the rim with hot soup Garnish each with extra chopped basil for color Place one grilled cheese dipper on the rim of each glass or serve alongside on a platter
Save I served these at my daughter’s graduation party and they disappeared faster than anything else Kids and grownups both raved about them The tiny portions make everyone smile and encourage even picky eaters to try something familiar in a new way
Storage Tips
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days It reheatsWell on the stove or in a microwave For the grilled cheese dippers allow them to cool completely wrap in foil and store at room temperature for up to twelve hours For best results reheat them briefly in a skillet or toaster oven before serving to regain their crispness
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap cheddar for your favorite cheese Gruyere mozzarella or fontina work beautifully Dairy free versions of cheese and butter are widely available too If you are gluten free choose a sturdy sandwich bread made without wheat For an herby twist mix fresh thyme or oregano with the basil
Serving Suggestions
These shooters are great for gatherings as an appetizer but you can also serve larger mugs for a cozy lunch If you want morevariety offer a platter of different cheese dippers Serve with a salad of ripe tomatoes and arugula for a balanced meal
Cultural and Historical Context
The marriage of soup and sandwich traces to early American diners but this playful shooter takes it up a notch Both tomato soup and grilled cheese have comforting roots in postwar America when canned soup and sliced bread became pantry staples This modern update is a nostalgic nod to childhood lunches but with party worthy elegance
Seasonal Adaptations
Use fresh ripe tomatoes in late summer for a bright tasting soup Add a pinch of smoked paprika for autumnal warmth Stir in a spoonful of pesto during winter for extra herby flavor
Success Stories
I served these at my daughter’s graduation party and they disappeared faster than anything else Kids and grownups both raved about them The tiny portions make everyone smile and encourage even picky eaters to try something familiar in a new way
Freezer Meal Conversion
Tomato soup can be frozen in individual portions for up to three months Defrost and reheat gently on the stove Grilled cheese dippers freeze best if wrapped tightly and reheated in a toaster oven or air fryer Serve fresh basil as garnish only after reheating
Save A sprinkle of Parmesan on the grilled cheese dippers adds an extra layer of savory flavor. These elegant shooters are perfect for any occasion.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make the tomato soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance and reheat it gently before serving for best flavor and texture.
- → What cheese works best for the grilled dippers?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but Gruyère or mozzarella can add new flavors and a different melt.
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free bread for the dippers and verify all ingredient labels to avoid hidden gluten.
- → Can the shooters be served cold?
They’re best warm, but you can chill the soup for a refreshing twist. Cheese dippers taste best freshly grilled.
- → How should these be served at a party?
Pour hot soup into shot glasses, garnish with basil, and add a grilled cheese dipper on the rim or alongside.
- → Are there dairy-free options?
Substitute dairy-free butter and cheese for the grilled dippers, and use plant-based cream in the soup.