Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Casserole (One-Dish Comfort Meal)

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the combination of grilled cheese and tomato soup. It’s a classic pairing that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a cozy, nostalgic meal. But what if you could combine both into one easy, hearty dish? Enter the Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Casserole, a twist on the beloved duo that makes for a filling and satisfying meal, with minimal effort.

This one-dish casserole takes all the flavors you love from grilled cheese and tomato soup and melds them into a hearty casserole that’s baked to perfection. With gooey melted cheese, crispy bread, and a rich tomato soup base, this dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or even a lazy weekend meal.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Casserole?

• Comforting and Hearty: It combines the classic grilled cheese with the richness of tomato soup in one dish, making it the ultimate comfort food.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and just one casserole dish, this recipe takes minimal prep time and is baked in the oven.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole is great for making ahead and reheating, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
• Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy, familiar flavors and the fun, casserole format, this is a dish that the whole family will love, even picky eaters.
• Affordable: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so it’s an inexpensive meal option that doesn’t skimp on taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 8 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or your choice)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a stretchier cheese pull)
• 2 cups canned tomato soup (or homemade if you prefer)
• 1 cup milk (for a creamier consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil (optional, for added flavor)
• 2 tablespoons butter (to grease the casserole dish and for extra richness)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Casserole Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Soup Base

In a bowl, combine the tomato soup with the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried basil (if using). Stir to combine, creating a creamy, seasoned tomato soup mixture that will form the base of the casserole.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread

Cut your bread slices into quarters (like a sandwich or diagonal slices) and layer them in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. You may want to arrange them in a single layer to ensure every bite gets a taste of the gooey cheese and soup base.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the bread layer. Make sure to spread it out evenly so that the bread gets plenty of cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Pour the Soup Mixture

Pour the tomato soup mixture over the bread and cheese, making sure the bread is soaked through with the tomato soup. Use a spoon to gently press the bread down into the soup mixture if needed, so it absorbs all the flavors.

Step 6: Top with More Cheese

Add the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. This will melt and form a golden, bubbly layer during baking.

Step 7: Bake

Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. If you like a slightly crispy top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. For added flavor, sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil before serving.

Tips for the Best Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Casserole

• Use Stale Bread for Better Texture: Slightly stale bread works great for casseroles because it soaks up the tomato soup mixture without turning too mushy. If your bread is fresh, you can toast it lightly before using it in the casserole.
• Customize the Cheese: While cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. A combination of cheeses will give the casserole a creamier texture.
• Add Protein or Veggies: If you want to make this casserole more filling, try adding cooked chicken, sausage, or even spinach to the mix. The casserole is very versatile, and the addition of vegetables or protein will only enhance the flavor.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the tomato soup mixture.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just increase the baking time by about 10 minutes if baking from cold.

Why This Dish Is Perfect for Every Occasion?

Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a lazy weekend, or you’re hosting a family gathering, this Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Casserole is a go-to comfort meal that’s sure to satisfy. The creamy tomato soup flavor combined with crispy bread and melted cheese is a nostalgic favorite, and when baked into a casserole, it’s even more delightful. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, making cleanup a breeze!

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining two classic dishes into one easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal. With its warm, cheesy goodness and rich tomato flavor, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion, whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a casual gathering, or just craving some hearty comfort food. So, grab your casserole dish and give this tasty, nostalgic recipe a try—you’ll be glad you did.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)