12slicescheese of choiceI like Cooper Sharp American
½stick butter
Instructions
In a large dutch oven, heat olive oil. Once hot, add onions and let cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add in garlic. Cook for another minute.
Pour in tomatoes, broth, and milk and stir to combine. Then add in basil, honey, salt, pepper, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper. Stir!
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer for 20 minutes. Turn off heat and let rest 10 minutes.
Using an immersion blender, regular blender, or food processor, carefully blend all soup ingredients until smooth. Pour back into soup pot. Serve!
For the grilled cheese, butter one side of each piece of bread.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 slices of cheese to non-buttered side. Add that to the pan buttered side down and cover with a lid (this is just one slice of bread and the cheese). After about two minutes, add the other slice of bread, butter side up. Place lid back on and cook another 2 minutes. Flip grilled cheese and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until golden brown on both sides.
Repeat for remainder of sandwiches.
Notes
Use San Marzano canned tomatoes. The flavor difference is real and worth it.
Simmer on low for 20 minutes after bringing to a boil, then let rest 10 minutes before blending. Patience here makes the flavors come together beautifully.
For the grilled cheese, cover the pan with a lid while cooking. It traps the heat and melts the cheese faster and more evenly.