Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole Recipe

Cozy Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole Recipe Magic

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful tomato soup and grilled cheese casserole that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Melted cheese and rich tomato flavors combine in a magical culinary experience that feels like a warm hug.

Imagine taking the classic duo of tomato soup and grilled cheese, then reimagining it as a hearty, satisfying casserole.

Crispy bread edges peek through a blanket of golden cheese, while the savory tomato base bubbles with intense flavor.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will make you swoon.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish that looks impressive but comes together effortlessly.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and add it to your regular rotation of go-to meals.

Tomato Soup Meets Grilled Cheese In One Casserole

  • Comfort Food Champion: Transform classic grilled cheese and tomato soup into a delightful one-pan casserole that hugs your soul with nostalgia and warmth.
  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whip up this crowd-pleaser in under an hour, requiring minimal prep and simple ingredients anyone can handle in their kitchen.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will devour this cheesy, saucy dish that reinvents a beloved lunch combo into an exciting dinner experience.
  • Versatile Potluck Star: Perfect for gatherings, this casserole travels well, serves multiple people, and offers that irresistible comfort food appeal that makes everyone smile.

Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese Casserole Ingredients

Bread Base:
  • White Bread, Sourdough Bread: Classic bread options with great texture for the casserole, preferably day-old for better cube formation.
  • Butter: Essential for toasting and adding rich flavor to bread cubes.
Cheese Blend:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide creamy, stretchy texture and sharp flavor profile, sharp cheddar recommended for more intense taste.
Soup and Cream Components:
  • Tomato Soup: Foundational flavor base with tangy tomato profile, preferably low-sodium for better seasoning control.
  • Milk: Adds creaminess and helps bind the casserole ingredients together.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides rich, luxurious texture and enhances overall mouthfeel.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, aromatic background flavor without raw garlic intensity.
  • Italian Seasoning: Introduces herb complexity with traditional Mediterranean herb blend.
  • Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for fresh, bright finishing touch.

Soup & Grilled Cheese Casserole Method

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 375°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Give the dish a quick spray or butter coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Transform Bread into Golden Cubes

Grab your bread slices and spread butter on one side.

Toast them in a skillet until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Chop the toasted bread into bite-sized cubes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Tomato Base

Whisk together in a mixing bowl:
  • Tomato soup
  • Whole milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Build Delicious Layers

Start layering your casserole with:
  • Half of the toasted bread cubes
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Half of the tomato soup mixture

Repeat the layers one more time to create a delectable tower of flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese looks melted and slightly crispy.

Step 6: Serve with Love

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

Sprinkle some fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness.

Scoop and enjoy your comforting meal!

Dinner Tips For Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese Bake

  • Select ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the soup and high-quality bread for a more delicious casserole.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, provolone, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
  • Toast bread cubes until golden but not too crispy to maintain a perfect balance of softness and crunch in the casserole.
  • Add extra cream or milk if you prefer a creamier texture, or reduce liquid for a thicker, more intense dish.
  • Swap regular bread for whole grain, use low-fat cheese, and incorporate additional vegetables like spinach or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Handling Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese Casserole Again

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping freshness intact for 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly and preserving quality for up to 2 months.
  • Warm covered casserole at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, ensuring even heating and maintaining crispy edges.
  • Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute warmth evenly and prevent soggy texture.

Tomato Grilled Cheese Casserole Sides

  • Pair Perfectly with Classic Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich tomato and cheese flavors, cutting through the casserole's creaminess while enhancing its savory profile.
  • Elevate with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness, adding a zesty and crisp counterpoint to the warm, comforting casserole.
  • Serve Alongside Crisp Cucumber Pickles: Add tangy, cold pickles to provide a sharp contrast to the warm casserole, creating a refreshing palate cleanser between bites and introducing a delightful textural element.
  • Complement with Sparkling Citrus Spritzer: Mix sparkling water with fresh lemon or orange juice to create a bright, effervescent drink that cuts through the richness and refreshes the taste buds.

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Casserole Combos

  • Gluten-Free Comfort Crunch: Swap regular bread with gluten-free bread slices, ensuring celiac-friendly enjoyment without compromising taste.
  • Vegan Creamy Dream: Replace dairy cheese with plant-based mozzarella and cheddar alternatives, using coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a rich, dairy-free experience.
  • Spicy Southwest Splash: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired version of the classic casserole.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Companion: Substitute bread cubes with cauliflower florets, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining the comforting essence of the original recipe.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the combination of cheesy bread and creamy tomato soup, making this casserole a perfect comfort food that children will enjoy.

  • Can I use different types of bread?

Yes, you can use various bread types like sourdough, white, or whole wheat. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up in the casserole and gets nicely toasted.

  • What can I do if I don't have both cheddar and mozzarella cheese?

You can substitute with any melting cheese you have on hand, such as monterey jack, provolone, or a cheese blend. The key is using a cheese that melts well and adds great flavor.

  • How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Consider adding some diced vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini between the layers to boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor to the casserole.

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Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole Recipe

Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering tomato soup and grilled cheese casserole that combines classic flavors into one irresistible dish. Hearty layers of melted cheese, crispy bread, and rich tomato goodness promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 slices thick-cut white or sourdough bread
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cans (10.5 ounces/298 grams each) tomato soup

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons butter

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375°F and coating a 9×13-inch dish with cooking spray.
  2. Transform bread slices into crispy cubes by spreading butter on each side and browning them in a skillet until they reach a golden, crunchy texture.
  3. Create a luxurious soup base by whisking together tomato soup, milk, heavy cream, aromatic garlic powder, and fragrant Italian seasoning until smooth and well-integrated.
  4. Construct the casserole in strategic layers: first, distribute half the toasted bread cubes across the baking dish, followed by an even sprinkle of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
  5. Pour approximately half the creamy tomato soup mixture over the initial cheese and bread layer, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  6. Repeat the layering process with remaining bread cubes, cheese, and soup mixture, creating a symmetrical and visually appealing composition.
  7. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to heat thoroughly.
  8. Uncover the dish and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, enabling the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling crust.
  9. Allow the casserole to rest and slightly cool before serving, which helps stabilize the texture and intensify the flavors.
  10. Optional: Enhance presentation by garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Select high-quality, ripe tomatoes for a more vibrant and rich soup base when making homemade tomato soup from scratch.
  • Experiment with different bread types like sourdough or whole wheat for varied texture and nutritional profile.
  • Use low-fat dairy alternatives like almond milk or Greek yogurt to create a lighter, diet-friendly version of this comforting casserole.
  • Add crispy bacon bits or diced pancetta between layers for an extra savory dimension that elevates the entire dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 547
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 1280 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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