Grilled Cheese Tomato Soup Shooters (Print View)

Crispy grilled cheese meets creamy tomato soup in playful party shooters perfect for sharing.

# Components:

→ For the Tomato Soup

01 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
05 - 2 cups vegetable broth
06 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
07 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
09 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

→ For the Grilled Cheese

11 - 8 slices white or sourdough bread
12 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
13 - 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese

# Directions:

01 - Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream and chopped basil. Puree until smooth using an immersion blender or a conventional blender in batches. Keep warm.
02 - Butter one side of each bread slice. Assemble sandwiches by placing a slice of cheese between two slices of bread, ensuring the buttered sides face outwards. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Grill each sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Allow to cool slightly, then cut each sandwich into 4-5 strips.
03 - Pour the warm tomato soup into shot glasses or small cups. Garnish each with a sprinkle of fresh basil. Serve each shooter with a grilled cheese dipper placed on the rim or alongside.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • So easy to prepare ahead and assemble before guests arrive
  • Crowd-pleasing classic flavors everyone loves
  • Eye-catching and playful presentation for parties
  • Warm and soothing for colder months but always welcome year-round
02 -
  • This appetizer is vegetarian friendly when using vegetable broth
  • Freezes well as soup and grilled cheese can be prepared in advance and assembled at the last moment
  • High in protein from the cheese and relatively low in calories for a hearty treat
  • The bright basil is my favorite touch because it takes the whole dish from homey to restaurant style Just last Thanksgiving my niece volunteered to do the garnishing because she loved the fresh scent so much
03 -
  • Butter both bread slices generously for a perfectly crisp finish Let the grilled cheese rest a minute before slicing to avoid tearing
  • If your soup seems too thick add a splash of broth when blending Always taste and adjust seasoning at every stage Fresh basil stirred in at the end keeps the flavor bright and fresh

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