GRILLED CHEESE & TOMATO SOUP BAKE

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Bake image

This casserole brings together two classic comfort foods: grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. There's no need for your hands to get messy dipping bread into a bowl of hot soup! Best of all, my picky-eater husband devours every bite. -Megan Kuns, Perrysburg, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

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Ingredients

3 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil, divided
12 slices Italian, sourdough or rye bread (1/2 inch thick)
6 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup tomato paste
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-3/4 cups 2% milk
2 large eggs
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend or part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, mix cream cheese and 1 teaspoon basil until blended; spread onto 6 bread slices. Top with the mozzarella cheese and remaining bread. Spread outsides of sandwiches with butter. Arrange in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., In a small saucepan, combine tomato paste, garlic, salt, pepper and remaining basil; cook and stir over medium heat for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 4-5 minutes or until thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from heat., Whisk the eggs in a large bowl; gradually whisk in a third of the milk mixture. Stir in the remaining milk mixture; pour over the sandwiches. Sprinkle with Italian cheese blend., Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 485 calories, Fat 29g fat (17g saturated fat), Cholesterol 137mg cholesterol, Sodium 918mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 23g protein.