My Favorite Winter Weather Meal: Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Ever hear someone describe a meal and think, "Ooh, that sounds really good"? That's exactly what I thought when Oprah described one of her favorite meals as a bowl of tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. And after trying it a few times, it quickly became my favorite winter weather meal.

At the time, I was a busy single woman living on her own. I didn't mind cooking, but cooking for one can be a little lonely and time consuming. It was also challenging to find fresh ingredients that won't spoil on you if not consumed within a week. Besides, I was working 70-80 hour weeks and preparing dinner was just not on my high list of priorities. As a result, I was always on the lookout for fast and easy meal ideas that were also budget conscious.

My Favorite Winter Weather Meal: Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwich Ingredient List and Directions

Putting this meal together is super easy. All you need are:

A can of tomato soup
Two slices of any type of bread
Two slices of any type of cheese

Prepare the soup according to the can directions. The grilled cheese sandwich can be made one of four ways:

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place cheese in between bread slices with the buttered sides facing out. Using a non-stick pan, place the sandwich in the pan until the cheese starts to melt. Flip sandwich over to cook the other side.

2. Follow same directions as listed above, but instead of using a pan you can use a panini press, sandwich maker, or a George Foreman grill to get the same results. The great thing about this method is that it cooks both sides of the sandwich at once so no flipping is required.

3. Place sandwich on a tray and stick in a toaster oven. Set preferred toast settings and toast the sandwich. The cheese will melt easily but may create a mess.

4. If the only cooking appliance you own is a microwave or you are stove, toaster oven, or sandwich maker challenged, you can make a grilled cheese sandwich in the microwave. It won't be as crispy as a normal grilled cheese sandwich, but it will work. Place the sandwich on a paper towel or paper plate for easy cleanup. Sandwiches only take 30-45 seconds to make depending on individual microwave settings.

Now, if you like to make things from scratch, I applaud you. There are numerous recipes for tomato soup online if you want to challenge yourself. And I understand everyone has their own way of making grilled cheese sandwiches, so feel free to prepare this meal the way you've always done it.

My Favorite Winter Weather Meal: Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwich Variations and Serving Ideas

Adding a bit of variety to this meal is easy to do. Try garnishing the tomato soup with some fresh basil or tortilla chips to add flavor and texture. Chop up fresh tomatoes and add to the soup before cooking.

Practically anything can be added to a grilled cheese sandwich to make it more interesting. I love to add slices of ham, bacon, or chopped broccoli.

Make your tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich meal the ultimate winter warming meal by serving it with a cup of hot cocoa or tea. For dessert, try a warm cookie or brownie.

Eating a bowl of tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich is one of the easiest, most versatile, and most budget-friendly meals you can prepare during the winter. It's perfect as an after-school snack, lunch, or dinner. Variations of the meal can be made to suit individual tastes.

It's been my favorite winter weather meal for the last several years, and I hope you'll try it as a way to help keep you warm this season.