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

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A rich and velvety slow cooker tomato basil soup paired with crispy grilled cheese croutons, perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and requires minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (28 oz) cans whole tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed and chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 slices thick-cut white or sourdough bread
  • 4 oz cheddar cheese, sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent and slightly golden, about 7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Transfer sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Add canned whole tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine and break up tomatoes slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours if short on time.
  4. After cooking, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches using a countertop blender.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and chopped fresh basil. Stir well and cook on low for another 15-20 minutes to warm through and infuse basil flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place cheese between two slices, buttered sides out, to make sandwiches. Heat a skillet over medium heat and grill sandwiches until golden brown and cheese melts, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  7. Let grilled cheese sandwiches cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized cubes to make croutons.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with grilled cheese croutons before serving.

Notes

If soup is too thick after blending, stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen consistency. Watch grilled cheese closely to avoid burnt edges; medium heat is recommended. For dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and use vegan cheese and gluten-free bread if desired. Soup can also be made on stovetop by simmering for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/creamy-slow-cooker-tomato-basil-soup-recipe-with-crispy-grilled-cheese-croutons-easy-and-perfect-for-lunch/