Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup

A Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is the perfect dish for a cozy winter meal. This creamy and comforting soup blends fresh basil with rich tomatoes, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this soup will impress anyone who takes a spoonful. Its simplicity makes it an ideal choice for any occasion, and you can easily customize it to suit your palate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Rich Flavor: Fresh basil and tomatoes combine to create a deliciously creamy soup that warms your soul.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Immersion Blender
• Cutting Board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: This tool allows you to cook the soup slowly, enhancing the flavors while you go about your day.
• Immersion Blender: Blending your soup to a smooth consistency is easy with this handy gadget, saving you from transferring hot liquids to a blender.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe space for chopping vegetables without damaging your countertops.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping onions and garlic quick and efficient.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth

For Creaminess and Flavor

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Begin by preparing all of your ingredients. Dice the onion and mince the garlic so they are ready to go into the slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker

Add the following ingredients to your slow cooker:
Crushed tomatoes
Diced onion
Minced garlic
Vegetable broth

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Cook Your Soup

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time helps develop richer flavors.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Once cooked, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. This step ensures you achieve that creamy texture we love.

Step 5: Add Cream and Seasonings

Stir in heavy cream, chopped basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to incorporate all flavors.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Serve your delicious Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup hot. Enjoy it on its own or with your favorite sides!

How to Serve Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup

Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful dish that warms the soul. Here are some creative ways to serve this comforting soup that will elevate your dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Pairing with a slice of crusty bread enhances the soup’s rich flavors. A warm baguette or sourdough loaf is perfect for dipping.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• A classic combination! Serve your soup alongside a gooey grilled cheese sandwich for a nostalgic meal that everyone loves.

Fresh Salad

• A light salad adds freshness to the meal. Consider a simple green salad with vinaigrette to balance the creamy soup.

Topped with Cheese

• Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella on top of your hot soup. This will melt slightly and add an extra layer of flavor.

With a Dollop of Pesto

• Elevate your bowl by adding a spoonful of pesto on top. It introduces fresh herbal notes that complement the basil in the soup.

Served in a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve your Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup in an edible bread bowl. It’s both practical and delicious!

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How to Perfect Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup

Achieving the perfect Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is easier than you think. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out creamy and flavorful.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh basil and quality tomatoes can make a significant difference in flavor.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
• Blend well: Ensure you blend the soup until it is completely smooth for the best texture.
• Add cream slowly: Stir in heavy cream gradually to achieve your desired creaminess without curdling.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra punch of flavor.
• Let it simmer: The longer it cooks, the better the flavors meld together. Aim for at least 6 hours on low heat.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: This buttery, garlicky treat is perfect for soaking up every drop of soup.
2. Caesar Salad: Crunchy romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing make for a refreshing side.
3. Caprese Skewers: Simple yet elegant, these skewers of mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes are light and tasty.
4. Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad with veggies adds color and complements the warm soup nicely.
5. Cheese Quesadillas: Crispy quesadillas stuffed with cheese provide a satisfying crunch alongside your soup.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring additional nutrients and flavors to your table.
7. Stuffed Peppers: These hearty sides filled with rice and cheese pair beautifully with tomato soup.
8. Spinach Dip: Creamy spinach dip served with chips or pita bread adds richness to your meal.

These suggestions will enhance your dining experience when enjoying delicious Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup seems easy, but small mistakes can affect the outcome.

• Skipping the blending step: Not blending the soup will leave it chunky, rather than creamy. Always use an immersion blender for a smooth texture.
• Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoning can result in bland soup. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving for best flavor.
• Using low-quality tomatoes: Poor quality tomatoes can ruin your soup. Choose high-quality crushed tomatoes for rich taste.
• Ignoring fresh herbs: Dried herbs lack the vibrant flavor of fresh basil. Always add fresh basil at the end for a burst of freshness.
• Cooking on high too long: Overcooking on high can affect texture and flavor. Stick to low settings for optimal results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover soup in an oven-safe dish, and bake until heated through (about 20-30 minutes).
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a delicious vegan version.

How long does it take to make Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup?

Cooking time varies from 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in your crockpot.

What pairs well with Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup?

This soup pairs beautifully with a side of grilled cheese or crusty bread for dipping!

Can I customize this Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

How do I store leftovers of my tomato basil soup?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is not just comforting; it’s also versatile and easy to customize. Whether you enjoy it as a meal alone or paired with sides, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Try adding your favorite ingredients or spices for personal flair!