Give Grilled Cheese The French Toast Treatment With This Canned Soup
Melty grilled cheese and a piping hot bowl of tomato soup is a classic pairing — and one I constantly turn to during the colder months, especially on snow days. Developing the perfectly crispy exterior on a grilled cheese comes with plenty of how-tos and strong opinions (we have pro tips to help get you the crispiest result), but if want to pair it with tomato soup, there is one unconventional method that takes the match made in heaven a step further. Behold: A grilled cheese sandwich toasted in a coating of tomato soup, creating a harmonious blend of the two classic flavors in every crispy, cheesy bite.
The technique going viral on social media proclaims that everyone should be dipping their grilled cheese in a batter made from an egg whisked with tomato soup, then frying it in butter until golden and crisp. The method is similar to making French toast, in which thick slices of bread are dipped in an egg wash before being pan-fried — except here, tomato soup joins the party, bringing its tangy, savory flavor right into the coating. It's the best of both worlds, earning full marks with zero notes.
I tried it — and you should, too
Always one to test things out in the kitchen, I was curious to try this method out for myself. To do so, I whisked together half a can of my favorite tomato soup — the tried-and-true Campbell's of my youth — with one large egg and a generous pinch of salt. Because Campbell's tomato soup is a condensed soup, the egg only thinned the mixture ever so slightly, making enough for two sandwiches. I dunked my cheddar cheese sandwich in, making sure to evenly coat both sides, then placed it in a greased nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides.
I'm pleased to report that this sandwich, even in its most basic form, marries that nostalgic pairing seamlessly — it's almost as if you let someone do the tomato soup dunking for you. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind when applying this method at home. Whether you use nonstick spray, butter, or olive oil, this sandwich requires an ample amount of fat to stand up to the tomato soup. Skimp on it, and you'll end up with a burnt, soggy grilled cheese.
Keeping the ratio at one-half can of tomato soup to one large egg creates a thick coating for the sandwich, and thus, more tomato-y flavor. I'd also recommend experimenting with Campbell's creamy tomato soup for a richer flavor , as well as different kinds of cheese — pepper jack for a kick and smoked gouda for more savory complexity. Condiments that take grilled cheese to new heights, like giardiniera and basil pesto, would also make for welcome additions to this pairing.
@chrystaelliott99 This was 10/10 try it right now #grilledcheese #gordonramsay #cooking #fyp #tutorial
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