heirloom grilled cheese sandwich and chunky tomato bacon soup
Qiana Mazzone
Ingredients
### Heirloom Grilled Cheese Sandwich Ingredients
- **Artisan sourdough bread** (2 slices, thick-cut for a crispy texture)
- **Heirloom cheddar cheese** (sharp, aged for rich flavor)
- **Gruyère cheese** (melts perfectly for gooey texture)
- **Butter** (unsalted, for spreading and grilling)
- **Garlic powder** (optional, for added flavor)
- **Fresh thyme leaves** (optional, for a gourmet touch)
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### Chunky Tomato Bacon Soup Ingredients
- **Ripe tomatoes** (4-5 medium, diced for chunky texture)
- **Bacon** (6 slices, crispy and crumbled for smoky flavor)
- **Onion** (1 medium, finely chopped for base flavor)
- **Garlic cloves** (3-4, minced for depth of flavor)
- **Chicken or vegetable broth** (2 cups, for a rich base)
- **Heavy cream** (1/2 cup, for creamy texture)
- **Olive oil** (2 tbsp, for sautéing)
- **Fresh basil leaves** (chopped, for garnish and freshness)
- **Salt and black pepper** (to taste)
- **Crushed red pepper flakes** (optional, for a hint of spice)
- **Sugar** (1 tsp, to balance acidity)
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### SEO-Friendly Keywords for Recipe Optimization
- **Heirloom grilled cheese sandwich**
- **Chunky tomato bacon soup**
- **Gourmet grilled cheese recipe**
- **Homemade tomato soup**
- **Comfort food recipes**
- **Easy soup and sandwich combo**
- **Cheesy sandwich ideas**
- **Bacon-infused tomato soup**
- **Artisan bread recipes**
- **Creamy tomato soup with bacon**
These ingredients and keywords are perfect for creating a delicious, SEO-friendly recipe post or blog!
Steps
# How to Make a Heirloom Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Chunky Tomato Bacon Soup
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food combo with this step-by-step guide to crafting a gourmet **heirloom grilled cheese sandwich** paired with a rich **chunky tomato bacon soup**. Perfect for cozy nights or weekend lunches, this recipe is packed with flavor and easy to follow.
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## **Heirloom Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe**
### **Ingredients**
- 4 slices of **artisan sourdough bread**
- 2 tbsp **unsalted butter**, softened
- 1 cup **heirloom tomato slices** (varieties like Brandywine or Cherokee Purple)
- 1 cup **sharp cheddar cheese**, shredded
- 1/2 cup **gruyere cheese**, shredded
- 1/4 cup **fresh basil leaves**
- 1 tbsp **olive oil**
- Salt and pepper to taste
### **Steps**
1. **Prepare the Bread**: Butter one side of each sourdough slice. This will create a golden, crispy crust when grilled.
2. **Layer the Cheese**: On the unbuttered side of two slices, evenly distribute the shredded cheddar and gruyere cheeses.
3. **Add Tomatoes and Basil**: Layer the heirloom tomato slices and fresh basil leaves on top of the cheese. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
4. **Assemble the Sandwich**: Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side facing out.
5. **Grill to Perfection**: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Drizzle olive oil and place the sandwich in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. **Serve Warm**: Slice the sandwich diagonally and serve immediately.
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## **Chunky Tomato Bacon Soup Recipe**
### **Ingredients**
- 6 slices of **thick-cut bacon**, chopped
- 1 medium **onion**, diced
- 2 cloves **garlic**, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) **crushed tomatoes**
- 2 cups **chicken broth**
- 1/2 cup **heavy cream**
- 1 tsp **smoked paprika**
- 1 tsp **dried oregano**
- 1/2 tsp **red pepper flakes** (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
### **Steps**
1. **Cook the Bacon**: In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
2. **Sauté Aromatics**: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. **Add Tomatoes and Broth**: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
4. **Blend (Optional)**: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
5. **Finish with Cream**: Stir in the heavy cream and cooked bacon. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. **Garnish and Serve**: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot alongside the grilled cheese sandwich.
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## **Why This Combo Works**
This **heirloom grilled cheese sandwich** and **chunky tomato bacon soup** recipe is a match made in comfort food heaven. The creamy, smoky soup complements the crispy, cheesy sandwich perfectly. Using **heirloom tomatoes** adds a burst of fresh flavor, while the **bacon** in the soup provides a savory depth.
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## **SEO-Friendly Tips**
- Use keywords like **"heirloom grilled cheese sandwich"**, **"chunky tomato bacon soup"**, and **"comfort food recipes"** throughout your content.
- Include high-quality images of the sandwich and soup to attract clicks.
- Add meta descriptions like "Learn how to make a gourmet heirloom grilled cheese sandwich and chunky tomato bacon soup with this easy recipe. Perfect for cozy meals!"
Enjoy this delicious duo and impress your family or guests with your culinary skills!