Recipe: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

In today’s uncertain economy, grocery prices can make anyone’s head spin. Check out this healthy and inexpensive recipe for a family of four, created by a dietitian.

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup is featured in a seven-part recipe collection.

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

Click here for a printable recipe.

 Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 8 slices whole-grain bread
• 4 slices American cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cans tomato soup + 2 cans water or milk
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• In a medium pot, sauté garlic in oil over medium heat.
• Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the soup.
• Fill the cans with water or milk and pour into the pot. Using milk will give the soup a creamier texture and a richer taste but use whatever you have on hand.
• Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring in between.
• Add in basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• To make the grilled cheese sandwiches, heat a large skillet over medium-low heat.
• Place ½ tablespoon of butter in the skillet and swirl it around the pan with a spatula until melted.
• Place 2 sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 2 to 4 minutes until the bottom is golden-brown and the cheese is partially melted.
• Flip and add ½ tablespoon of butter to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, until the second side is golden-brown and the cheese is completely melted.
• Repeat this process for the other sandwiches.
• Serve with warm soup.

Recipe notes

Nutrition per serving: calories 365, protein 14 grams, carbs 36 grams, fiber 3 grams, total fat 22 grams, saturated fat 11 grams, cholesterol 45 milligrams, sodium 680 milligrams.

Mindful note: Simple comfort food can still be balanced. Using whole-grain bread and milk adds calcium and fiber, supporting bone and heart health.

Andrea Mathis is a registered dietitian and owner of Beautiful Eats & Things. For more great recipes, visit beautifuleatsandthings.com.