My mom cooked a lot growing up. In fact, I don’t ever remember eating fast food unless we were on vacation. And while she was (and still is) a great cook, she had the regulars that she would filter through. So there are just some meals that make me think “childhood”. Like my mom’s enchiladas. (I really need to make those one day…) Or this – toast with tomato gravy.
Growing up, my mom actually called it Cheese Rarebit. And I want to call it that here, because that is what I have known it as, but I know this is not the real, traditional Welsh Rarebit, and I don’t want anyone to yell at me. But before I made this, I called my mom to ask her a few questions, and she actually told me the history behind this recipe. It’s actually a very simple recipe – a can of tomato soup, some milk, some cheese, and a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce, if desired. But my mom told me that she used to eat a version of it growing up. Her mom, my grandma, called it tomato gravy, and would just combine the soup and some milk and serve it over toast. When my mom was a mother herself, she started adding the cheese, and that is what I had growing up.
This is one of those meals that probably looks strange to some people, but to me it is pure comfort. Not to mention cheap and super easy. Anyone that can cook up a can of soup and make some toast can make this recipe. And when something reminds me of childhood, it’s always a good thing!!
Toast with Tomato Gravy
serves 4
total time: 15 minutes
1 can tomato soup
1/2 can full of milk
about 1 cup of cheddar cheese, shredded
a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce
8 slices of buttered toast
Combine the soup and milk in a saucepan and put over medium heat until warm. Stir in the cheese and stir until melted. Add a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce, if desired.
Serve over the warm, buttered toast.
Lm says
Looking for left over tomato soup… tomato gravy sounds good for my meat loaf making for supper!
I have had SOS before and says sausage gravy, but never tomato gravy over toast.
The food banks give out a lot of tomato soup and bread, so now I have other ideas in my old age to make groc. Stretch.
Thanks for the ideas.
Bob magic44 says
We called it tomato rabbit and served it over (and under) saltines! It’s still a great midnight snack after a ballgame or late movie!
KB says
I used to eat this at my best friend's house when I was about 12 years old. Her mom called it blushing bunny.
Calisue337 says
Sorry, but that looks disgusting! But then, I have a huge dislike for soggy bread!
Stephanie @ Confessions of a Trophy Wife says
This looks so interesting! I can imagine it's tasty comfort food though because what's better than classic grilled cheese and some tomato soup? This also makes me think of a comfort food in my house growing up – cream of asparagus on toast. Everyone thinks I'm crazy when I talk about that one 😉
newlywed says
I am definitely saving this one! We enjoy Welsh Rarebit, but I am always looking for a substitute for the can of beer, since we don't drink much beer and it's a pain to try to buy just one can.
grace says
a reversed version of grilled cheese and tomato soup, no? that's awesome.
kat says
Yeah, that sounds like a total comfort food
Kim says
It's always so much fun to see recipes that others grew up with. I just saw a recipe for biscuits with tomato gravy the other day and hadn't ever thought of that combination before. This is something that I'd like to try. I'm curious about the combo now:)
bellini valli says
This reminds me of one of the first meals I ever learned to make. I have a real craving for it now:D
Monet says
Don't you love returning to the recipes you enjoyed during childhood? My mom had her rotation too, and I still love many if not all the meals she used to cook. Thank you for sharing this comfort food with us!
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Jane says
Sure never had this growing up, but we did eat a lot of Campbells Tomato soup always paired with grilled cheese sandwiches!
Aub and John says
Mmm! We ate this growing up, too! I have no idea where this name came from but we called it Rum Tum Dillies! Now I'm going to have to call my mom and find out the story! I think we are having this for dinner tonight! Thanks for the reminder!
Pam says
It looks and sounds great. And the fact that it is easy to make is a plus. Thanks for sharing the interesting story!
Cassie says
It sure does look like pure comfort food! I love hearing about what other people grew up eating. I've never eaten anything like this!
Joanne says
That certainly looks like comfort food to me and I've never had anything like it! And you can call it Cheese Rarebit if you want. I won't tell.