TOMATO SOUP WITH GRILLED CHEESE RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, mix cream cheese and 1 teaspoon basil until blended; spread onto 6 bread slices. Top with the mozzarella cheese and remaining bread. Spread outsides of sandwiches with butter. Arrange in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., In a small saucepan, combine tomato paste, garlic, salt, pepper and remaining basil; cook and stir over medium heat for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 4-5 minutes or until thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from heat., Whisk the eggs in a large bowl; gradually whisk in a third of the milk mixture. Stir in the remaining milk mixture; pour over the sandwiches. Sprinkle with Italian cheese blend., Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Steps:

• For the tomato soup: Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the oil. When hot, add the onion and a large pinch of salt and cook until starting to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Mix in the tomatoes and chicken stock. Add the cream, hot sauce and oregano if using and bring to a simmer. Simmer until thickened and the flavors come together, 20 to 30 minutes. Taste and season with additional salt if needed. Let cool slightly, then transfer to a blender and puree until smooth.
• For the grilled cheese: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
• Spread the mayonnaise or melted butter on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle the Parmesan over the mayonnaise or butter. Flip the slices and put 4 pieces of Cheddar on 4 of the bread slices. Spread the other bread slices with mustard, if using, and close the slices together to form sandwiches (the mayonnaise and Parmesan should be on the outside).
• Working in batches if necessary, transfer the sandwiches to the skillet and cook until browned and toasted, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Slice and serve with the tomato soup.