When it comes to comfort food, few things can rival the heartwarming combination of tomato soup and grilled cheese. This Old-School Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Bake takes everything you love about this nostalgic pairing and serves it in a way that’s just as simple, cozy, and satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. No fuss, no frills, just cheesy, crispy, bacon-loaded goodness in every bite!
Let’s dig into this easy recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients: Simple pantry staples you likely already have.
- Quick Prep: Perfect for when you want dinner on the table in under an hour.
- Irresistible Texture: Buttery, crispy bread meets gooey melted cheese with a hint of smoky bacon.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Both kids and adults will be coming back for more!
Ingredients & Their Role
For the Grilled Cheese Bake:
- 12 slices of bread: The foundation of this dish. Regular sandwich bread works great!
- ½ cup butter or margarine: Adds that golden, crispy texture to the bread.
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the show—sharp cheddar brings a bold, tangy flavor.
- ½ cup condensed tomato soup: Adds a touch of sweetness and a classic tomato tang that ties it all together.
- ½ cup real bacon bits: A savory addition that balances the sweetness of the soup.
- ¼ tsp salt & ¼ tsp pepper: Enhances all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Take half of the butter (or margarine) and spread it evenly over six slices of bread.
- Pro Tip: Use softened butter for easier spreading!
Step 2: Layer the Base
- Cut the buttered slices in half and place them, buttered-side down, in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, condensed tomato soup, bacon bits, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined, ensuring every bite will be packed with flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Top Layer
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the bread layer in the dish.
- Butter the remaining six slices of bread, cut them in half, and place them on top of the cheese mixture, buttered-side up.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 26–30 minutes, or until the top layer of bread is golden brown and crispy.
- Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into squares and dish out the ultimate grilled cheese and tomato soup experience!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness.
- For the ultimate nostalgia, serve with a small bowl of warm extra tomato soup on the side for dipping!
Pro Tips for Success
- Customize the Cheese: Swap cheddar for a blend of mozzarella and Gruyère for a gooey twist.
- Use Thick-Cut Bread: If you have it, opt for thicker slices of bread to hold up against the filling.
- Go Fresh on the Bacon: If time allows, fry and crumble fresh bacon for even more flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: It’s key to getting that golden-brown crust on top and bottom!
Why This Recipe is a Winner
This Old-School Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Bake isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate. By combining the best parts of two comfort food classics, it delivers unmatched coziness with minimal effort. Plus, it’s easy to customize to your taste—making it a go-to recipe that you’ll treasure for years.
Ready to wow your family with this classic comfort food? Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe, share it, and keep coming back for more no-fuss, feel-good meals!