My friend Maxine recently attended a symphony guild reception and raved about the appetizers served. One in particular that she mentioned was a simple tomato soup served in a cordial glass topped with a triangle of a grilled cheese sandwich. It was easy to sip the soup and dunk the sandwich if you preferred; no utensils necessary.
I thought, what a great idea for a Super Bowl party. Just put trays of hot, freshly ladled soup and warm grilled cheese sandwich triangles on the serving table for everyone to grab and eat. Now, I do have some fancy cordial glasses if you would like to do a more refined presentation. Afterall, there is a difference between a Super Bowl Party and a Symphony Soiree. It is your choice. Here is the more refined version.
The glasses are smaller and I used Pepperidge Farms sandwich bread which is thinner and smaller in size.
I also cut the crusts off of the bread. Tres Chic.
But whichever way you present them they will be a hit. The soup is easy to make and is very flavorful with an added punch from basil pesto. To be honest with you, tomato soup is not my favorite, but I loved this one. It will be made often in this kitchen. This idea of mini soups and sandwiches can be used with many different creamed soups and grilled sandwiches. Just let your imagination run wild.
TUSCAN TOMATO SOUP
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 shallots or 1 onion, chopped finely
3 (14 ounce) cans Italian diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups half and half
1/3 cup basil pesto
Salt and pepper to taste
Heat oil in a large sauce pan. Add diced shallots or onions and cook over medium low heat until they are softened. Add tomatoes and bring them to a simmer. Add the chicken broth and cook over low heat for 20 minutes. Add half and half and pesto. At this point you can either use an immersion blender to puree the soup or blend in a food processor or blender (in batches) until you have a smooth consistency. Return soup to pan. Add salt and pepper to taste and keep warm until you are ready to serve it. Ladle the soup into a two cup measuring cup with a spout and pour into each serving glass.
Top with triangles of grilled cheese sandwiches. Cut each sandwich into 4 triangles before placing on glasses.
What a lovely idea. I can also see making it a little more user friendly for kids. Great way to get them to eat soup!! I like this. The soup looks very good also.
Love this original presentation; nothing beats tomato soup and grilled cheese. Will our lunch very soon.
Rita
I love this – could see doing it for a bridge party where I’m having three tables. It’s always nice to have an appetizor away from the tables.
What a wonderful idea! I recently made tomato soup that called for fresh basil and I had none, but I did have little frozen basil cubes that I froze from my garden this summer and used that. My recipe was very similar to yours….
Hugs,
Penny
I can’t imagine anyone not loving this combination. I was just looking yesterday for the Pepperidge Farm bread but couldn’t find it anywhere. It makes the nicest little sandwiches.
It’s a beauty… Am planning to totally steal the presentation idea for a dinner party i am planning!
Penny, what a great idea and what great photos!! getting better by the day!!!!!
This is Tres chic and such genius! Gorgeous presentation, Penny and I am loving your Tuscan tomato Soup recipe.
This is a great idea! Everyone likes little servings at parties, so much easier to handle. I like your thin brea idea too, I tend to like my grilled cheese on the crispier side!
*bread*
haha! I love it! I’ve gotten pretty confident in the kitchen, but I’m still working my way through when it comes to presentation. Who could resist these, even if they HATED tomato soup. Thank you for sharing!
Gary
What a great idea. They are almost too pretty to eat; note that I said almost……They’d be gone and people would be asking for seconds in my house.
This is my knind of super bowl food.
How did I miss these! They are precious and what a great idea. I’ve pinned them for future reference.
Sam