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Cozy Tomato Bisque and Crispy Grilled Cheese

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A comforting and easy-to-make tomato bisque paired with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich, perfect for chilly evenings and quick dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting and sautéing)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (roasting adds depth)
  • 2 (28-ounce) cans of whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (can substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh basil added at the end)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 slices sturdy sandwich bread (sourdough or rustic white bread preferred)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder for grilled cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  3. (Optional) Roast whole garlic cloves ahead of time and add instead of raw garlic for a sweeter flavor.
  4. Add canned tomatoes with juices and broth to the pot. Break up tomatoes with a spoon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a countertop blender, cool slightly and blend in batches.
  6. Stir in cream, sugar, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer on low for another 5 minutes.
  7. Butter one side of each bread slice generously. On the unbuttered side, layer shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese (about 1/3 cup total per sandwich). Sprinkle smoked paprika if using.
  8. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches butter-side-down and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until cheese melts and bread is crisp. Press gently with a spatula for even grilling.
  9. Serve the tomato bisque hot in bowls alongside the crispy grilled cheese sandwiches, cut diagonally for easier dipping.

Notes

Roasting garlic before adding it to the bisque enhances flavor. Use ripe or quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano for natural sweetness. Butter the outside of the bread well and cook on medium heat to avoid burning or sogginess. Shred your own cheese for better meltiness. Blend bisque until completely smooth for best texture. If bisque is too thick, loosen with extra broth or cream. For extra crispy grilled cheese, press sandwich with a heavy pan or grill press.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato bisque, grilled cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, cozy meal, tomato soup, crispy sandwich

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/cozy-tomato-bisque-and-crispy-grilled-cheese-recipe-perfect-for-cold-days/