Mini Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

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Dive into a delightful recipe where classic grilled cheese sandwiches meet gourmet elegance. Paired with a rich tomato basil soup, these mini grilled cheese sandwiches are chic appetizers perfect for parties, gatherings, or a special family treat.

hand dipping mini grilled cheese into tomato soup in a shot glass.

There’s something so comforting about the timeless combo of grilled cheese and tomato soup, isn’t there? It takes me back to those cozy childhood days, nestled in front of the TV with my favorite cartoon playing. But who says our favorite comfort food can’t get a stylish makeover?

In this post I’m bringing you a twist on this classic duo that’s not only delicious but also super photogenic. These Mini Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup are the perfect hors d’oeuvres recipe for when you want to impress at a gathering or simply treat yourself to something special at home. Dive in and discover how to elevate this beloved pairing into a chic appetizer!

Looking for more wow-worthy appetizers to serve? You’ll love these Antipasto Skewers, Mini Pimento Cheese Balls, and adorable Jarcuteries.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy and Quick to Prepare: This mini grilled cheese and tomato soup appetizer recipe is the epitome of simplicity, ensuring you can whip up a delicious starter even on short notice.
  • Timeless Flavor Pairing: There’s a reason grilled cheese and tomato soup have been beloved for generations. Experience this classic duo in a reinvented form, promising the same comforting taste but with a fresh, fun edge.
  • Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a grand soirée, these mini delights are sure to be a hit. The convenience of serving these as finger foods makes it a hassle-free option for any event, big or small.

And if you love this recipe, you won’t want to miss my Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich. SO GOOD!

plate of mini grilled cheese strips and a bowl of tomato basil soup.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this unique and delicious mini grilled cheese and tomato soup appetizer recipe.

  • Unsalted Butter: This serves as the golden key to achieving that perfect, crispy crust on your mini grilled cheese sandwiches. It adds richness without overpowering saltiness, letting the flavors of the cheeses shine. (Try a homemade herb butter for even more flavor!)
  • White Bread: The perfect canvas for our grilled cheese masterpiece. It offers a soft, fluffy interior and a crunchy exterior when grilled, making it the best choice for these mini delights.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Known for its tangy and bold flavor, sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully, giving your sandwiches a gooey and irresistibly cheesy core.
  • Dubliner Cheese: A unique Irish cheese that offers a slightly sweet, nutty flavor with a hint of sharpness. Paired with the sharp cheddar, it takes the sandwich’s cheese profile to a whole new level of deliciousness.
  • Tomato Basil Soup: This isn’t just any tomato soup. My homemade tomato basil soup provides a rich, aromatic base with hints of fresh basil that complements the cheesy goodness of the sandwich. If you’re looking to make it from scratch, check out the recipe. Alternatively you can use your favorite store-bough variety.
shot glass with tomato basil soup served with mini grilled cheese.

How to Make

Let’s make these mini grilled cheese sandwiches. I’ll walk you through the steps below. For your convenience, I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

  1. Begin by making or warming up the tomato basil soup. (I recommend a pot on the stove or a crock pot to keep it warm.)
  2. Next, preheat a large skillet on medium heat. Then, generously butter one side of a slice of bread.
hand adding cheese to a slice of bread.
  1. Place the bread butter side down onto the skillet; then top with a slice of each cheese. Butter a second slice of bread on one side and place it butter-side-up on top of the sandwich.
  2. Grill until lightly brown and then flip over. Continue grilling until both sides are golden and the cheese is melted. Do the same with the remaining bread and cheese.
knife slicing grilled cheese sandwich into strips.
  1. Allow the sandwiches to cool slightly. Trim off the crust and cut the sandwiches into 4-5 thin strips.

And that’s it.

I really love these as an appetizer because they are classic comfort food. Plus, they are not overly fancy, and you can still make them look really special and elegant. Below are a couple ideas.

Serving Ideas

Individual Elegance

Serve each guest their own set of grilled cheese sandwich strips paired with a shot glass filled with the steaming tomato basil soup. This personal touch is sure to impress and make each guest feel special.

How to Serve: Arrange 3-4 sandwich strips on a small plate with a filled shot glass of soup.

plates with mini grilled cheese sandwich strips served with a small glass of tomato basil soup.

Party Platter

Perfect easy appetizer for a crowd and larger gatherings, this serving idea lets guests help themselves and encourages communal dining.

How to Serve: Lay out the grilled cheese strips attractively on a large serving platter. Place a bowl of hot tomato basil soup in the center, allowing guests to dip their sandwich strips as they please.

strips of mini grilled cheese on a plate with a bowl of tomato soup.

Grilled Cheese Skewers

Add a playful twist by skewering the mini sandwiches.

How to Serve: Once grilled, fold the sandwich strips in half and skewer them with a cocktail stick. Serve alongside a dipping bowl of tomato basil soup.

So simple, but still really beautiful and fun.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas or customize them based on the vibe and theme of your event or gathering.

hand dipping mini grilled cheese strip into tomato soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the grilled cheese sandwiches ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sandwiches in advance and give them a quick reheat in the oven before serving. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to retain their freshness.

What kind of bread works best for this recipe?

While you can use any bread of your preference. I used white. Sourdough or a crusty artisan bread tends to hold up well and offers a delightful texture contrast with the melted cheese.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! While traditional cheddar is a classic, feel free to get creative. Gruyère, mozzarella, or even pepper jack can give a delightful twist to your mini grilled cheese sandwiches.

How do I store leftover tomato basil soup?

If you have any leftover soup, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It should keep well for up to 3-4 days.

Can I use store-bought tomato soup?

While homemade is always a great choice, if you’re pressed for time or looking for convenience, a high-quality store-bought tomato basil soup can work wonders. Just ensure you heat it thoroughly before serving.

How can I make my grilled cheese sandwiches crispy?

Buttering the outer layers of the bread before grilling can help in achieving that perfectly golden-brown and crispy texture. Using a cast-iron skillet or a griddle can also make a difference.

mini glasses of tomato soup served with sliced strips of grilled cheese sandwiches.

More Recipes You Will Love

However you decide to serve them, you really need to give this recipe a try at your next gathering. I promise your guests will rave! If they do, be sure to stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. 

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Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches | Inspired by Charm

Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

These Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches create a unique and comforting appetizer especially when paired with a small glass of tomato basil soup.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: grilled cheese, tomato basil soup, tomato soup
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 368kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter softened
  • 12 slices white bread
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese sliced
  • 7 ounces Dubliner cheese sliced
  • 2 cups tomato basil soup*

Instructions

  • Begin by preheating a large skillet on medium heat. Then, generously butter one side of a slice of bread.
  • Place the bread butter side down onto the skillet; then top with a slice of each cheese. Butter a second slice of bread on one side and place it butter-side-up on top of the sandwich.
  • Grill until lightly brown and then flip over. Continue grilling until both sides are golden and the cheese is melted. Do the same with the remaining bread and cheese.
  • Allow the sandwiches to cool slightly. Trim off the crust and cut the sandwiches into 4-5 thin strips.
  • Heat the tomato basil soup in the microwave or on the stove and serve on the side.

Notes

You will love this EASY recipe for tomato basil soup

Nutrition

Calories: 368kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 689mg | Potassium: 294mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 765IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 461mg | Iron: 2mg

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17 Comments

  1. I put alittle Hellmans mayo on one side of the bread with some pepper. I also fry my grilled cheese in tomato basil butter ( Lactania makes it but don’t know if you can get it in the states) it’s funny how we sometimes stay in the box. I never would’ve thought to slice and dunk them in soup! Who knew! I bet kids will love this.

  2. I’m planning a ‘winter luncheon’ and this would be a perfect appetizer. BUT…any suggestions as to how I can do the sandwiches in the morning and keep them warm/hot yet still crisp? I don’t want to be cooking when guests are here.

  3. Nothing new here! I used to make these for my kids. Just make grilled cheese sandwiches with whatever cheese you like and toast them, then slice into fingers. I like to use a sandwich or Panini grill.

  4. Yummm. Really fun and enticing presentation and–Dubliner is my current favorite cheese. I’ll have to try it with the sharp jack. Have a blast on your cruise!

  5. We are big cheese lovers around our house. I love to try different cheeses on our grilled cheese sandwiches. Haven’t found a bad combination yet. Yum.