Bite-sized grilled cheese strips for dipping into creamy tomato soup—quick, comforting, and made for sharing.
# Ingredient List:
→ Mini Grilled Cheese Dippers
01 - 8 slices sandwich bread (white or whole wheat)
02 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter (4 tablespoons), softened
03 - 6 slices cheddar or American cheese, each slice halved
→ Tomato Soup
04 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
05 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
08 - 2 cups vegetable broth
09 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
13 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
# How-To Steps:
01 - Arrange bread slices on a work surface. Spread softened butter evenly over one side of each slice. Place a halved cheese slice between two bread slices, buttered sides facing outward, to form a sandwich. Repeat until all sandwiches are assembled.
02 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook sandwiches in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest briefly, then slice each sandwich into 3–4 strips to create dippers.
03 - Warm olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sweat until translucent and tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until aromatic.
04 - Stir in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, dried basil and oregano. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to maintain a low simmer and cook uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
05 - Remove the pot from heat and purée the soup until smooth using an immersion blender, or process in batches in a standing blender. Return to low heat, stir in the heavy cream, adjust seasoning as needed, and warm through without boiling.
06 - Ladle hot soup into bowls or mugs and serve immediately alongside the mini grilled cheese dippers for dipping.
