Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese Casserole: A Comfort Food Dream

Are you ready to experience comfort food bliss? This Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese Casserole is a delightful twist on two classic favorites, combining the creamy warmth of tomato soup with the cheesy goodness of grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a potluck with friends, or anytime you’re craving something utterly satisfying. This recipe is easy to follow, customizable, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

## Why You’ll Love This Casserole

* **Ultimate Comfort Food:** It’s the perfect marriage of tomato soup and grilled cheese. Need we say more?
* **Easy to Make:** Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this casserole a breeze to prepare.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by changing the cheese, bread, or adding extra toppings.
* **Family-Friendly:** Kids and adults alike will devour this cheesy, tomatoey goodness.
* **Great for Leftovers:** This casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers the next day.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Bread:** 1 loaf of your favorite bread, such as sourdough, Texas toast, or brioche. About 12-16 slices.
* **Cheese:** 8-12 slices of your preferred cheese, such as cheddar, American, Monterey Jack, or a combination.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened.
* **Tomato Soup:** 2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup.
* **Milk:** 1 cup milk (whole milk or 2% recommended for richness).
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
* **Onion Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
* **Dried Basil:** 1/2 teaspoon dried basil.
* **Dried Oregano:** 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano.
* **Sugar:** 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, but it helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes).
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Toppings:** Shredded cheese (for topping), croutons, fresh basil, parmesan cheese.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large skillet or griddle
* Mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Butter knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese Casserole.

### Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Soup Base

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed tomato soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is fully combined and smooth. This ensures even flavor distribution throughout the casserole. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Some people prefer a slightly sweeter soup, while others like it more savory.

### Step 2: Make the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

1. **Butter the Bread:** Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. This helps create a golden-brown and crispy exterior during the grilling process. Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, for easier spreading.
2. **Assemble the Sandwiches:** Place half of the bread slices, butter-side down, in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Add cheese slices to each slice of bread. You can use a single type of cheese or a combination for a more complex flavor. Cover with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
3. **Grill the Sandwiches:** Cook the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Use a spatula to carefully flip the sandwiches. Press down gently on the sandwiches while grilling to ensure even cooking and melty cheese.
4. **Cut into Pieces:** Once the grilled cheese sandwiches are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them cool slightly. Then, cut each sandwich into bite-sized pieces. You can cut them into squares, triangles, or strips, depending on your preference.

### Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole bakes evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
2. **Layer the Ingredients:** Pour a thin layer of the tomato soup mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents the sandwiches from sticking and adds flavor to the bottom layer. Arrange the grilled cheese pieces evenly over the soup layer. Pour the remaining tomato soup mixture over the grilled cheese pieces, making sure to cover them completely. This ensures that every piece is infused with the tomato soup flavor. Gently press down on the grilled cheese pieces to help them absorb the soup.

### Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. **Bake:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This prevents the top from browning too quickly and keeps the casserole moist. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is bubbly and lightly golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.

### Step 5: Add Toppings (Optional)

1. **Add Toppings:** If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese, croutons, or fresh basil over the top of the casserole during the last few minutes of baking. This adds extra flavor and texture. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a salty and savory touch.

### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. **Let it Rest:** Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the soup to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
2. **Serve:** Serve hot and enjoy! This Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese Casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or a simple vegetable dish.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Types of Cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination. Some popular choices include cheddar, American, Monterey Jack, provolone, and mozzarella.
* **Add Some Heat:** For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato soup mixture or use pepper jack cheese in the grilled cheese sandwiches.
* **Add Vegetables:** Sneak in some extra veggies by adding diced tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms to the tomato soup mixture or between the grilled cheese slices.
* **Use Different Types of Bread:** Try using different types of bread, such as sourdough, rye, or whole wheat, to add a unique flavor and texture to the casserole.
* **Make it Vegetarian/Vegan:** To make this casserole vegetarian, simply use vegetarian cheese. To make it vegan, use vegan cheese and bread, and substitute the milk with a plant-based milk alternative.
* **Add Protein:** Boost the protein content by adding cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon to the casserole.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free bread to make this casserole gluten-free.
* **Spice it up:** Add a dash of hot sauce or chili garlic sauce to the tomato soup before baking.
* **Add Pesto:** Spread a thin layer of pesto on the bread before grilling for an extra layer of flavor.
* **Cream Cheese:** Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the bread before grilling to add a creamy, tangy flavor.
* **Garlic Bread:** Use garlic bread instead of regular bread for an extra garlicky flavor.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Instead of dried herbs, use fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for a brighter flavor.
* **Use Different Soups:** If you’re not a fan of tomato soup, try using cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup instead.

## Serving Suggestions

This Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the casserole.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Coleslaw:** A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the cheesy casserole.
* **Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad is a perfect way to end the meal.
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with extra garlic bread for dipping into the tomato soup.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** While freezing is not highly recommended due to the potential for changes in texture, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients used)
* Fat: 20-30g
* Protein: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great option for meal prepping.

**Q: Can I use different types of bread?**
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough, rye, or whole wheat. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the cheese and soup.

**Q: Can I add meat to this casserole?**
A: Yes, you can add cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon to the casserole for extra protein.

**Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?**
A: Yes, use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

**Q: What kind of cheese is best for this casserole?**
A: Cheddar, American, Monterey Jack, and provolone are all great choices. Feel free to use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor.

**Q: Can I reduce the amount of sodium in this recipe?**
A: Yes, use low-sodium tomato soup and reduce the amount of salt added to the mixture.

**Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned soup?**
A: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Roast them first to deepen the flavor, then blend them into a smooth sauce. You may need to adjust the seasonings and add a thickener like cornstarch.

**Q: How do I prevent the casserole from getting soggy?**
A: Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the tomatoes (if using fresh) and avoid over-soaking the bread in the soup mixture. Lightly toasting the bread before assembling the sandwiches can also help.

**Q: Can I use a slow cooker to make this?**
A: While it’s not the traditional method, you *can* adapt it for a slow cooker. Layer the ingredients as described, but reduce the liquid slightly. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until heated through and the cheese is melted. Be aware that the bread may become quite soft.

## Conclusion

This Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese Casserole is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish in no time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food combination! Enjoy!