If there’s one combo that defines cozy, it’s tomato soup and grilled cheese. Now imagine layering those childhood favorites into a warm, baked casserole that hits every nostalgic note while feeding a crowd. This Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole is a crave-worthy twist on the classic duo that wraps up comfort, ease, and serious flavor in every forkful.

Golden, crispy grilled cheese bites are nestled into creamy, herb-seasoned tomato soup, then baked until bubbly and irresistible. It’s familiar, yet fresh. Simple, but satisfying. And it’s quickly becoming one of the most shared baked comfort food dishes across recipe blogs and Pinterest boards.

Whether you need a weeknight dinner, a cozy Sunday lunch, or a potluck hit, this tomato soup and grilled cheese casserole delivers all the comfort of the original with far less hassle. Let’s dive deeper into what makes this dish so special and irresistible.

Recipe Overview

Difficulty Level: Easy
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Serving Size: Serves 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Best Served As: Dinner

Cozy Casserole Nutrition Snapshot

We call this “Hug-in-a-Dish Stats”

Calories: ~420 per serving
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Comfort Rating: Off the charts

This dish balances indulgence with real ingredients. The tomatoes provide vitamin C and lycopene, while the whole-grain bread (if used) adds fiber. Cream and cheese supply that luxurious texture and depth of flavor. It’s a hearty option that doesn’t feel overly heavy, which is ideal for family meals or potlucks.

Why This Recipe Works

All-in-One Comfort – No need for separate soup and sandwich stations.
Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and simple ingredients.
Kid-Approved – Familiar flavors make it a family favorite.
One Dish Wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor.
Customizable – Swap cheeses, add protein, or sneak in veggies.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day.

It’s the kind of dish that hits the sweet spot of home-cooked warmth and effortless execution. Plus, it’s visually stunning once baked: golden brown cubes peeking out of a bubbling red base.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Grilled Cheese Base:

8 slices of hearty bread (white, sourdough, or whole wheat)
2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)

For the Tomato Soup Mixture:

2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (14.5 oz each) crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth

For the Casserole Topping:

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional for topping)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Grilled Cheese Cubes

Butter one side of each bread slice.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and place slices butter-side down.
Top with shredded cheese, then another slice of bread, butter-side up.
Grill 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Let cool slightly, then cut each sandwich into 1.5-inch cubes.

These cubes create the “crouton” effect—crispy on top, slightly softened underneath from the soup. It’s the texture contrast that really makes the dish shine.

2. Cook the Tomato Soup Base

In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté onions until translucent, about 4 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano.
Simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in cream and broth, simmer for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

The resulting soup is thicker than a traditional bowl of tomato soup, which helps it hold its own in the casserole.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Pour half the tomato soup mixture into the bottom.
Layer in half of the grilled cheese cubes.
Pour the remaining soup on top.
Finish with the rest of the grilled cheese cubes.
Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella if using.

For best results, press down lightly on the grilled cheese cubes so some sink into the soup mixture—this creates a layered bite of texture and taste.

4. Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Uncover and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

The foil ensures the soup base doesn’t dry out, while the final uncovered bake crisps the cheesy topping. You’re looking for bubbling edges and golden-brown grilled cheese peaks.

5. Garnish and Serve

Let it rest for 5 minutes.
Top with chopped basil or parsley.
Serve warm and enjoy with a big spoon.

It’s the kind of dish where the serving spoon goes in once, and suddenly the whole casserole is gone. Best enjoyed with good company and seconds.

Tips and Variations

Cheese Combos: Use a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, fontina, and even a little gruyère for depth.
Add Protein: Stir in cooked ground turkey, Italian sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken to make it a full meal.
Make It Spicy: A pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce adds a nice kick.
Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread and check soup ingredients for gluten-free certification.
Sneak in Veggies: Blend in sautéed zucchini, baby spinach, or finely chopped mushrooms for added nutrition.
Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed when ready.
Freezer Friendly: Freeze in portions or as a whole casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

What to Serve with This Casserole

This comforting dish shines on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

A crisp green salad – Try mixed greens with vinaigrette to cut the richness.
Roasted veggies – Brussels sprouts, carrots, or broccoli make great sides.
Pickles or pickled onions – Add a bright, tangy contrast.
Sparkling water with lemon or a glass of red wine – Because grown-ups deserve a cozy meal too.

Looking to stretch it into a full dinner spread? Add some garlic bread or a fruit salad for balance. This tomato soup and grilled cheese casserole truly makes any meal feel special.

Final Thoughts on This Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Bake

This casserole is like the culinary equivalent of a warm blanket on a cold day. It takes the best elements of tomato soup and grilled cheese and transforms them into something you can serve a crowd—or just yourself on a cozy night in.

It’s versatile, nostalgic, easy to make, and endlessly comforting. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just feed your family something satisfying without spending all night cooking, this tomato soup and grilled cheese casserole checks every box.

Plus, the leftovers are almost better the next day—if you have any. Trust us, this tomato soup and grilled cheese casserole is a keeper.