Good Old-Fashioned American Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

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20 slices deli-sliced American cheese (yellow or white)

8 slices good, thick country white bread

8 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature

Tomato Soup, recipe follows, for serving

Tomato Soup:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 yellow onion, minced

2 carrots, diced

1 stalk celery, diced

1/2 teaspoon crushed red chile flakes

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 tablespoons dry sherry

Two 28-ounce cans whole San Marzano tomatoes

2 bay leaves

1 cup chicken or vegetable stock

1/2 cup heavy cream