Jump to Recipe Print RecipeIn the midst of a bustling week, there’s nothing quite like the nostalgia of comfort food to wrap you in warmth. The Ultimate Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole is my go-to recipe when I crave that classic pairing but want to elevate it into something truly satisfying. This dish harmoniously melds the tangy, creamy goodness of tomato soup with the scrumptious crunch of golden-brown grilled cheese, making it a family-friendly dinner that everyone will adore. With simple pantry staples and minimal prep time, you’ll delight in how effortlessly this casserole comes together! Whether you’re feeding little ones or hosting friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Curious about how to make this creamy treat even more delicious? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why is This Casserole a Must-Try? Comforting, This dish transforms your favorite childhood meal into a rich casserole that warms your soul. Easy to Prepare, With minimal prep time, you can whip this up any night of the week! Customizable Flavors, Personalize it with your favorite cheeses and spices to create a unique version every time. Crowd-Pleasing, Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings; everyone will be going back for seconds! Nutritious Twist, Packed with vitamins A and C from tomatoes, it’s a wholesome comfort food option. Pair it with a refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad to complete your meal and enjoy a burst of freshness alongside this savory casserole! Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole Ingredients For the Casserole Base Bread – Use white, whole wheat, or artisan bread like sourdough for added flavor and texture. Butter – Essential for toasting the bread cubes, ensuring a deliciously crunchy topping. For the Tomato Mixture Tomato Soup – The star ingredient that brings tangy moisture to the casserole; both homemade or canned versions work perfectly. Optional Herbs/Spices – Enhance the flavor with fresh basil, chili flakes, or Worcestershire sauce for a unique twist. For the Cheesy Topping Cheese – A blend of sharp Cheddar, mozzarella, or Italian cheeses creates a creamy, rich layer that melts beautifully. Optional Flavor Boosters Add-ins – Consider cooked bacon, sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions to add depth and variety to your casserole. Embrace the delightful comfort of Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole with these simple ingredients and enjoy a heartwarming meal that the whole family will love! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole Step 1: Prep Bread Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, cut your choice of bread into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they’re uniform for even cooking. In a large mixing bowl, toss these cubes with melted butter until they are thoroughly coated. This buttery mixture will give your casserole a deliciously crispy topping. Step 2: Make Tomato Base In a separate bowl, pour in your tomato soup and mix in any desired herbs or spices, such as fresh basil or chili flakes, for extra flavor. Stir well until combined, creating a vibrant mixture that will serve as the delicious base of your Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole. This harmonious blend will elevate the dish, bringing warmth with every bite. Step 3: Layer Now, take an 8×8-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the buttered bread cubes evenly across the bottom. Pour the seasoned tomato mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring an even coverage across all pieces. Using a spatula, gently press down on the bread to help it soak up the savory tomato soup, creating a cohesive layer of comforting goodness. Step 4: Top with Cheese Sprinkle a generous layer of your chosen cheeses over the top of the casserole, making sure to cover every corner evenly. This cheesy topping will turn golden brown as it bakes, adding an irresistible crunch to the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, blend different cheese types for a delightful flavor explosion in your Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole. Step 5: Bake Place your assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and look for a bubbly, golden cheese topping that signals it’s time to take it out. Allow the casserole to work its magic and fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of melting cheese and tomato goodness. Step 6: Serve Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly—about 5-10 minutes will do. This helps it to set, making slicing easier. Garnish with any optional fresh herbs for a pop of color, then dig into this delightful Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole. Each spoonful is a comforting embrace of home-cooked love! Storage Tips for Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole Fridge: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s well-covered to retain moisture and flavor. Freezer: If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. For best results, wrap it well in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag. Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. This helps maintain that delicious crispy topping while heating through the creamy layers of the Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole. Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the casserole out for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety. Always refrigerate promptly if not consumed right away. Expert Tips for Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole Bread Selection: Choose sturdy bread such as sourdough or whole wheat; they hold up better in the casserole and enhance texture. Avoid overly soft bread to prevent mushiness! Cheese Variety: Experiment with cheese blends like sharp Cheddar and gooey mozzarella for depth of flavor. Different cheeses change the vibe of the Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole! Don’t Overbake: Watch the casserole closely during the last 10 minutes. Ovens can vary, and overbaking may cause dryness; you want that bubbly, golden topping, not burnt cheese. Add Flavor: Introduce fresh herbs like basil or spices like chili flakes to elevate the flavor. Don’t shy away from personalizing the Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole! Layering Technique: Press down the bread after adding the tomato mixture to ensure even soaking. This step helps create that comforting, rich flavor throughout the casserole. Make Ahead Options These Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the bread cubes and toss them with melted butter up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Additionally, you can mix the tomato soup with your chosen herbs and spices and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before assembly. When you’re ready to serve, simply layer the bread and tomato mixture in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes. This approach ensures a deliciously satisfying dish with minimal effort on busy weeknights! What to Serve with Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole A perfect meal is a delightful dance of flavors and textures, harmonizing beautifully with this comforting casserole. Crispy Green Salad: This fresh mix of greens with a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch, balancing the rich and creamy flavors of the casserole. The bright vegetables enhance the overall experience and provide a lightness that’s wonderful alongside this hearty dish. Garlic Bread: Savory garlic bread enhances the comfort factor, offering a satisfying crunch and rich flavors that marry perfectly with the melty cheese and tomato soup. It’s also perfect for scooping up any leftover casserole on the plate! Roasted Veggies: Seasoned roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots bring an added sweetness and a pop of color to the table. Their smoky notes complement the casserole beautifully, ensuring each bite is a delightful experience. Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized delights, filled with herbs and cheese, offer a savory complement to the casserole. Their earthy flavors and tender texture create a delightful contrast, making them an elegant addition to your meal. Wine Pairing: A light-bodied red wine, like Pinot Noir, enhances the dish with its soft fruitiness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the cheese. It provides a sophisticated touch that elevates the overall dining experience. Each of these offerings creates a memorable dinner that embraces the essence of home-cooked love, making your Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole shine even brighter! Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole Variations Don’t be afraid to let your creativity run wild with this delightful casserole! With a few simple tweaks, you can customize it to suit your taste buds and dietary needs. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for a lovely alternative that accommodates all diets. This way, everyone can enjoy the comforting flavors without compromise. Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to your tomato mixture for a zesty twist. The heat pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese, creating a dish that’s bursting with excitement. Dairy-Free: Opt for dairy-free cheese substitutes and plant-based butter to create a dairy-free version. This ensures you can relish the comforting essence of the casserole without the dairy! Veggie Delight: Incorporate sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers into the base for an added burst of nutrition. These veggies not only enhance the flavor but also add wonderful textures to each bite. Bacon Lovers: Cooked bacon crumbles make an excellent addition. They introduce a savory depth that complements the creaminess of the cheese and the tang of the tomato soup perfectly. Herbed Up: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley sprinkles on top before serving. Fresh herbs add a radiant pop of color and a fragrant touch, ensuring each serving is as visually pleasing as it is delicious. One-Pan Wonder: Try making individual servings in ramekins! This method allows for fun, personalized portions and makes for a delightful presentation at dinner parties. Mixed Cheeses: Combine different cheese varieties like Gruyère and mozzarella for a gourmet flavor explosion. Each cheese brings its unique qualities, ensuring a layering of rich flavors that will impress any guest. Pair this casserole with a refreshing side, such as a vibrant Cucumber Tomato Salad for a well-rounded meal that balances comforting and fresh tastes. Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole Recipe FAQs What type of bread works best for the casserole? Absolutely! For the best results, choose sturdy bread varieties like sourdough or whole wheat. These breads hold up better in the casserole, ensuring a delightful texture without becoming mushy. Avoid overly soft bread such as white sandwich bread, as it may lose its shape during baking. How should I store leftovers of the Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s well-sealed to retain moisture and flavor. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. I often recommend wrapping it in plastic wrap first to ensure it stays fresh! Can I freeze the casserole? If so, how? Yes, you can freeze the Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole! First, allow it to cool completely after baking. Next, wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps avoid freezer burn. To reheat, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through and bubbly. What if the cheese topping is burnt when baking? It’s important to keep an eye on your casserole, especially in the last 10 minutes. Ovens can vary, and overbaking may lead to a burnt cheese topping, which nobody wants! If you notice it browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the top with aluminum foil for the remaining bake time. This will prevent further browning while allowing the casserole to cook through. Is this casserole suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions? Yes! The Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole can easily be adapted for vegetarians. Simply omitting meat add-ins like bacon or sausage does the trick. Additionally, if you have cheese allergies, consider using vegan cheese alternatives. Always check the labels for any hidden allergens to ensure it meets your dietary needs, so you can enjoy this comforting dish worry-free! What can I serve with the casserole? This delicious casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a side of crusty garlic bread. You can also dress up individual servings with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor. The more the merrier, so feel free to experiment with different sides to elevate your meal experience! Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole Recipe FAQs Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole: Comfort in Every Bite Discover the comforting blend of tangy tomato soup and crispy grilled cheese with this Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole recipe. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 45 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 8 portionsCourse: CasserolesCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Casserole Base8 slices Bread Use white, whole wheat, or artisan bread like sourdough4 tablespoons Butter Essential for toasting the bread cubesFor the Tomato Mixture2 cans Tomato Soup Homemade or canned versions workto taste Optional Herbs/Spices Fresh basil, chili flakes, or Worcestershire sauceFor the Cheesy Topping2 cups Cheese Blend of sharp Cheddar, mozzarella, or Italian cheesesOptional Flavor Boosters1 cup Add-ins Cooked bacon, sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions Equipment OvenBaking DishMixing bowlsSpatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and coat them with melted butter.Pour the tomato soup into a separate bowl, mix in any desired herbs or spices, and stir well to combine.Spread the buttered bread cubes evenly in a baking dish. Pour the seasoned tomato mixture over the bread cubes and press down gently.Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese over the top, ensuring an even coverage.Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1portionCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
