Tomato Soup Shots with Mini Grilled Cheese Recipe

Serves 10-12 people as an appetizer (makes 24 soup shots and 24 mini grilled cheese)

Ingredients for the Tomato Soup

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes, with juice
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

Ingredients for the Mini Grilled Cheese

• 12 slices white or brioche bread, crusts removed
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Fresh chives for garnish

For Garnish

• Fresh basil leaves
• Heavy cream for swirling
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Building the Perfect Tomato Base

The secret to exceptional tomato soup lies in building layers of flavor from the very beginning. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat until it foams and becomes aromatic. The butter provides a rich foundation and helps carry the flavors throughout the soup.

Add the diced onion to the melted butter and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft, translucent, and lightly golden around the edges. This slow cooking process allows the onion to release its natural sugars, which will add depth and subtle sweetness to the finished soup.

Intensifying the Tomato Flavor

Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown and become bitter. Next, add the tomato paste and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. This crucial step intensifies the tomato flavor by caramelizing the paste, which removes any raw or metallic taste and creates a rich, concentrated base for the soup.

The tomato paste should darken slightly and become very aromatic during this cooking process. If it starts to stick to the bottom of the pot, reduce the heat slightly and continue stirring.

Combining the Tomato Components

Add both the whole peeled tomatoes with their juice and the drained diced tomatoes to the pot. Break up the whole tomatoes with your hands or a wooden spoon as you add them. The combination of whole and diced tomatoes provides both body and texture to the soup, while the juice from the canned tomatoes contains concentrated flavor that shouldn’t be wasted.

Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, which will provide additional body and depth without overwhelming the tomato flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Creating Silky Smoothness

Remove the pot from heat and let the soup cool slightly for safe handling. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until it reaches your desired consistency. For soup shots, aim for a completely smooth texture, though some people prefer to leave a bit of texture for visual interest.

If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, being cautious with the hot liquid and never filling the blender more than halfway. For the smoothest possible texture, strain the blended soup through a fine-mesh sieve back into the pot, pressing any remaining solids with the back of a spoon.

Finishing with Cream and Seasonings

Return the soup to low heat and gradually stir in the heavy cream. Add the cream slowly to prevent curdling, and don’t let the soup boil once the cream is incorporated. Stir in the fresh basil, sugar, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.

The sugar is essential for balancing the acidity of the tomatoes, while the smoked paprika adds a subtle depth that elevates the entire dish. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed – it should be rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy.

Preparing the Mini Grilled Cheese

While the soup stays warm, prepare the mini grilled cheese sandwiches that will provide the perfect textural contrast. Using a sharp knife, remove the crusts from all bread slices, then cut each slice into quarters to create small squares. You’ll need 48 squares total – 24 for bottoms and 24 for tops.

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with the cream cheese and garlic powder, mixing until smooth. This mixture spreads more easily than plain butter and creates a richer flavor while helping achieve a beautiful golden crust.

Assembling the Tiny Sandwiches

Place thin slices of sharp cheddar cheese on 24 of the bread squares, making sure the cheese doesn’t extend beyond the edges of the bread. The cheese should be sliced thin enough to melt completely during the brief cooking time but thick enough to provide substantial flavor and texture.

Top each cheese-covered square with another bread square to create mini sandwiches. Press each sandwich gently to help the layers adhere and prevent them from sliding apart during cooking.

Achieving Golden Perfection

Spread the butter and cream cheese mixture on the outside of each mini sandwich, coating both sides evenly. This ensures even browning and prevents the sandwiches from sticking to the pan.

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. The lower temperature is crucial for mini sandwiches because they need enough time for the cheese to melt completely before the bread becomes too dark. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, place the mini sandwiches in the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.

Elegant Presentation

For the most sophisticated presentation, serve the tomato soup in small shot glasses, espresso cups, or small bowls. The vibrant red color of the soup looks stunning against clear glass or white ceramic, and the small portions are perfect for appetizer service.

Fill each vessel about three-quarters full with the warm soup, leaving room for garnish. The soup should be comfortably warm but not scalding hot, as guests will be sipping rather than spooning it.

Adding Visual Appeal

Garnish each soup shot with a small swirl of heavy cream, which creates beautiful contrast against the red soup. Add a single fresh basil leaf for color and aroma, and finish with a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.

The garnishes not only add visual appeal but also provide aromatic elements that enhance the overall sensory experience of the appetizer.

Serving the Complete Experience

Arrange the mini grilled cheese sandwiches on a separate platter or serve 1 to 2 alongside each soup shot on individual small plates. The sandwiches should be served warm and crispy, providing the perfect textural contrast to the smooth soup.

Encourage guests to dip the mini grilled cheese directly into the soup for the full nostalgic experience, or to enjoy them alongside each sip for varied flavor combinations.

Temperature and Timing Management

The key to success with this appetizer is managing temperature and timing. The soup can be kept warm for several hours without losing quality, making it perfect for parties. The mini grilled cheese sandwiches, however, are best served within 15 minutes of cooking for optimal crispiness.

If you need to hold the sandwiches longer, keep them warm on a wire rack in a 200-degree oven, though they’re truly best served immediately after cooking.

Make-Ahead Strategies

The tomato soup can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or broth if the soup has thickened too much.

The mini grilled cheese can be assembled several hours ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This advance preparation makes the recipe much more manageable for entertaining.

Scaling for Different Group Sizes

This recipe scales beautifully for both intimate gatherings and large parties. For smaller groups, halve all ingredients accordingly. For larger events, the recipe can be doubled or tripled, though you’ll need to cook the mini sandwiches in multiple batches.

Creative Variations

While the classic combination is perfect as-is, you can customize both components for variety. Try different cheeses in the mini grilled cheese – Gruyere adds sophistication, while a blend of cheddar and mozzarella provides extra creaminess.

For the soup, consider adding roasted red peppers for sweetness, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for complexity. Some cooks enjoy adding a touch of vodka for depth, though this should be cooked off completely.

Dietary Accommodations

The soup can be made dairy-free by substituting coconut milk for heavy cream, though this will add a subtle coconut flavor. For vegetarian guests, ensure you’re using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

The mini grilled cheese can accommodate various dietary needs by using gluten-free bread, dairy-free cheese alternatives, or different types of artisanal breads for varied flavors and textures.

Storage and Leftover Solutions

Leftover tomato soup keeps in the refrigerator for up to five days and freezes beautifully for up to three months. When reheating, do so gently to prevent the cream from separating, and stir occasionally for even heating.

The mini grilled cheese don’t store well once cooked, so it’s best to make only what you need for immediate service.

Perfect Pairings

This appetizer pairs beautifully with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or light reds like Pinot Noir. For non-alcoholic options, consider sparkling apple cider or a classic lemonade that complements the tomato flavors.

This tomato soup shots with mini grilled cheese recipe proves that sometimes the most beloved combinations are also the most sophisticated when presented thoughtfully. The familiar flavors create instant comfort and nostalgia, while the elegant presentation elevates the entire experience. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or a formal dinner party, this appetizer will transport your guests back to childhood while impressing them with your culinary creativity and attention to detail.