Here's my sensible approach to this classic meal.
Disclaimer: There are better, more "gourmet" ways to go about this, sure. I strive for ease and comfort with some added flair using easy to obtain ingredients.
Start with a few slices of bread, lightly buttered on both sides. A few slices of American Cheese, split in half. Not cheese "food". Not individually wrapped slices, gross. You can use fancy bread and cheeses, but I'm going to keep this one simple.
Preheat a skillet to medium heat. Spray with cooking spray. Add your bread slices to the skillet in a single layer. Let the magic begin.
When the bottoms begin to get beautifully brown, flip.
Once flipped, strategically place one half slice of cheese on each piece of toasted bread. Use a spatula to score the bread and persuade it to fold in half. Brown each side of the half sandwiches.
Beautiful. You may ask 'why make half sandwiches?'. After hours of extensive research I have decided this is the most functional way to prepare and consume grilled cheese. It's ergonomic, has the perfect crust to cheese ratio, and a great shape for scooping up tomato soup (as compared to a full sandwich or a triangle-shaped half sandwich).
On to the tomato soup. If you really want to research recipes and prepare tomato soup from scratch, go ahead, I will use the canned variety here. Yes, it's not the most healthy option, I agree. Yes, it's not the most flavorful option, I agree. {Read disclaimer above} So if you're like me and want a qualified tomato soup to enjoy with your grilled cheese, proceed with the canned tomato soup.
Dump the canned soup into a bowl, thin it slightly with milk or cream. Nuke it in the microwave until heated through. Don't hate on the microwave, we all use it.
For added flair, top your soup with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle dried basil on top. Enjoy this simple and classic meal while it's hot!
Frugal Facts:
4 slices of bread $0.33
2 slices of cheese $0.32
1 can of soup $0.88
minimal amounts of milk, sour cream, basil ~ <$1
Total-- $1.53
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How do you make grilled cheese & tomato soup??
I make the full-on sandwiches :) And I still haven't been able to find a canned tomato soup that doesn't taste like metal to me. My mom's homemade tomato soup rocks my socks off. Adorable post! Love the breakdown of costs.
ReplyDeleteHomemade tomato soup is definitely preferred. There is a great satisfaction from taking ripe tomatoes and turning them into something so creamy and delicious.
DeleteFortunately, I don't experience the metal taste from canned soup. :)
Cost is something everyone should be aware of when looking at recipes! It can make or break it for me.