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Creamy Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Easy Grilled Cheese Croutons

creamy slow cooker tomato basil soup - featured image
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A comforting and creamy tomato basil soup made effortlessly in a slow cooker, topped with crispy grilled cheese croutons for a delicious twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 28 oz (800 g) canned crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 slices bread (sourdough recommended)
  • 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Transfer sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  4. About 30 minutes before serving, puree the soup using an immersion blender until smooth. If using a regular blender, blend in batches carefully.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and chopped fresh basil. Cook uncovered on low for another 15 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place cheese between two slices, buttered sides out. Heat a skillet over medium heat and grill sandwiches until golden brown and cheese melts, about 3 minutes per side. Let cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
  7. Ladle soup into bowls and top generously with grilled cheese croutons.

Notes

Do not skip sautéing onions and garlic to build flavor. Balance acidity with sugar. Blend hot soup carefully to avoid splatters. Make grilled cheese croutons just before serving for best crunch. Soup can be made ahead and reheated; flavors improve overnight. For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato basil soup, slow cooker soup, creamy tomato soup, grilled cheese croutons, comfort food, easy soup recipe

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