Quick and Easy Microwave Canned Soup With Toast

Your pantry’s sad can of soup just became a 5-minute gourmet(ish) meal. We’re transforming budget staples into a cozy, filling lunch without dirtying pots or draining your wallet. This combo costs less than a fancy coffee and takes less time than waiting in a drive-thru line.

Microwaving soup and “toasting” bread in the same appliance is peak lazy genius. No stovetop spills, no toaster crumbs—just warm comfort with zero cleanup guilt. It’s the culinary equivalent of wearing pajamas to a Zoom meeting.

We’ll cover canned soup hacks, microwave settings, and toast tricks that’ll make your inner college student proud.

What Does Microwave Canned Soup With Toast Taste Like?

Imagine your childhood grilled cheese dunked in tomato soup, but with a grown-up shortcut twist. The soup stays brothy or creamy depending on your can’s contents, while the toast offers a crunch contrast. It’s nostalgia served in under five minutes.

At a chaotic family reunion, my sister Candice once salvaged lunch with this combo when our chili supply vanished. We devoured microwaved chicken noodle soup with garlic bread “toast” (read: slightly stiff sandwich slices). Not gourmet, but the steamy broth and carb comfort hit the spot—proof that hunger is the best sauce.

Ingredients for Microwave Canned Soup With Toast

Grab a can of soup (10.5-18.6 oz) and 1-2 bread slices. We prefer condensed varieties like Campbell’s Tomato or Progresso Hearty Chicken—they’re thicker and stretch farther. For toast, basic white or whole wheat works, but even stale hamburger buns can crisp up. For a quick and affordable meal, consider transforming that canned soup into a delicious microwave soup bread bowl. It’s an easy and satisfying way to enjoy a warm meal without breaking the bank.

Canned Soup Alternatives &Amp; Bread Substitutes

No cream of mushroom? Use ramen seasoning packets + frozen veggies for DIY broth. Swap toast with crushed saltines, tortilla chips, or leftover biscuits. Candice once used Hawaiian roll scraps as “sweet toast” with lentil soup—surprisingly addictive. For a tasty and budget-friendly option, consider adding canned diced mushrooms to cheap microwave ramen for an easy, flavorful meal.

Soup Type	Best Bread Pairings
Cream-based (e.g., broccoli cheddar)	Sourdough or rye
Brothy (e.g., vegetable beef)	French baguette or ciabatta
Chunky (e.g., minestrone)	Garlic bread or focaccia

Pro tip: Day-old bread toasts better! Its reduced moisture prevents sogginess when dipped. Now, let’s tackle nailing the microwave technique without molten soup explosions. A convection microwave can be a great tool for achieving perfectly toasted bread as it uses both microwave and convection heating. This combination helps in evenly browning the bread while keeping it warm and crispy.

How to Microwave Canned Soup: Step-by-step

Confession: I once microwaved soup straight from the can (don’t tell my mom). While it worked, draining excess liquid first prevents a diluted flavor tsunami. Pour your condensed soup into a microwave-safe bowl—we use 2-cup Pyrex containers for easy pouring later. Making a microwave soup recipe can be a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for busy days. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade soup in minutes.

Preparation: Draining, Stirring, and Seasoning Adjustments

Condensed soups need water or milk—check your can’s label. For broth-based soups like chicken noodle, drain 1/4 cup liquid if you prefer intense flavor. Stir thoroughly before heating to distribute clumpy bits. Add black pepper, garlic powder, or a splash of hot sauce to jazz up bland cans. If you’re looking for an even simpler meal option, consider lazy microwave canned chicken noodle soup. It’s a quick, hassle-free alternative that packs comfort and flavor in just a few minutes.

My college hack? Stir in frozen mixed veggies (25¢ per serving) while cold. They’ll cook evenly as the soup heats. Avoid adding dairy until after microwaving—curdled cream ruins the vibe. When you’re in a rush, consider cheap microwave canned soup for an easy meal. Instant teff can also serve as a nutritious base, adding unique flavor and texture to your quick dinner.

Microwave Timing and Safety Tips

Heat 10.5 oz soups for 2 minutes on high, stir, then 1 more minute. Larger cans (18.6 oz) need 3 minutes + 2 minutes. Always cover with a microwave-safe plate—prevents volcanic splatters without trapping steam. Serve over quick and easy microwave canned soup with couscous or toast for a comforting meal.

Test temperature cautiously. Soups can develop “hot pockets” reaching 212°F while appearing lukewarm. Let it rest 60 seconds post-microwave for heat distribution. Handle bowls with oven mitts—they’re sneaky hot! To keep toppings crunchy, try placing a lid on the bowl while reheating. This helps retain moisture while preventing the toppings from becoming soggy.

Also See: Easy Microwave Red Velvet Mug Cake: Ready in Minutes!

How to Make Toast in the Microwave

Yes, you can “toast” bread in a microwave. It won’t crunch like a toaster, but achieves warm stiffness perfect for soup-dunking. Place bread on a paper towel to absorb moisture. Microwave 30 seconds, flip, then 15 more seconds. It’ll feel like a warm hug with slight crisp edges, especially when used for quick and easy microwave canned soup with toast.

Choosing the Best Bread for Microwave Toasting

Thicker slices (Texas toast, artisan breads) hold up better than flimsy white sandwich bread. Stale bread works brilliantly—reduces sogginess. Avoid seeded varieties—they can overheat and taste burnt. For a convenient twist, consider using the microwave to quickly warm up or even cook bread. Microwave bread can offer a soft and fluffy texture in just minutes, making it a great option for busy moments.

My roommate swore by spraying bread with water before microwaving. It creates steam for a chewier texture. Weird? Maybe. Tasty with soup? Absolutely. However, it’s essential to remember that not all foods should be treated the same in the microwave. Some common items can even become harmful if microwaved incorrectly, so better to know which foods to microwave and which to avoid.

Microwave Settings for Crispy Results

Use 50% power for 45 seconds per side. Lower heat prevents rubbery texture. For “garlic bread,” spread margarine + garlic powder pre-microwaving. It melts into the nooks without burning. A quick and easy option to enjoy this delicious flavor is by preparing microwave garlic bread, which provides a warm, buttery delight in no time.

Bread Type	Microwave Time
White Sandwich	30-45 sec total
Whole Wheat	45-60 sec total
Baguette Slices	20 sec per side

Also See: Sushi Rice Recipe in Microwave – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More

Recipe Variations for a Budget-friendly Meal

Transform basic soup + toast with pantry staples. Crushed ramen noodles (15¢) add crunch to creamy soups. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning ($2/jar, lasts months) on buttered toast for gourmet flair.

Adding Affordable Toppings or Mix-ins

Stir into soup while heating:

• Canned beans (drained)—adds protein for 30¢/serving
• Instant rice—absorbs excess broth, makes it heartier
• Leftover pasta—my kids call this “soup surprise”

Top toast with:

• Grated Parmesan (shelf-stable cans last ages)
• Everything bagel seasoning (elevates plain bread)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (heat on a budget)

Hungry for more? Let’s tackle storing leftovers so your thrifty meal stays safe and tasty.

Now It’s Your Turn to Try!

Microwaving canned soup with toast is one of the easiest, cheapest meals you can whip up in under 5 minutes. With just a bowl, a microwave-safe plate, and a little creativity with seasonings or toppings, you’ve got a warm, satisfying meal that won’t break the bank.

Give it a shot—whether you’re craving classic tomato soup with buttery toast or want to experiment with adding cheese or herbs. Let us know your favorite combo in the comments!