Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is the perfect dish for those chilly winter nights when you crave something warm and comforting. This creamy tomato soup features fresh basil, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, this easy recipe will impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, allowing you to enjoy the rich flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you.
- Flavorful: The combination of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil creates a rich, savory taste.
- Versatile: Perfect as a starter or paired with grilled cheese for a classic combo.
- Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from tomatoes and herbs, this soup is both delicious and nourishing.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for meal prep; simply store leftovers for another day.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking much easier. Here are some essential items you’ll need to make your Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Immersion blender
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Essential for even cooking; it allows flavors to meld beautifully over time.
- Immersion blender: Makes blending the soup a breeze without transferring it to another container.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
- Chef’s knife: A reliable knife is key for precise dicing of onions and garlic.
Ingredients
A creamy and comforting tomato soup with fresh basil, perfect for a cozy winter meal.
For the Soup Base
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
For Flavor and Texture
- 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 the Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients before you start cooking. This will help streamline the process.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Add the following ingredients into your slow cooker:
1. Crushed tomatoes
2. Diced onion
3. Minced garlic
4. Vegetable broth
Step 3: Cook the Soup
Set your slow cooker:
– Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
Once cooked, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add Final Ingredients
Stir in:
– Heavy cream
– Chopped basil
– Dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Ladle the delicious soup into bowls and enjoy while hot!
How to Serve Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to enhance its flavor or pair it with sides, there are plenty of serving suggestions to make your meal even more delightful.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair your soup with a fresh loaf of crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the creamy goodness, creating a satisfying bite.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- A classic grilled cheese sandwich complements the soup perfectly. The gooey cheese and crispy bread offer a delightful contrast to the smooth soup.
Fresh Salad
- Serve with a light salad made of mixed greens and vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the soup.
Garlic Bread
- Garlic bread adds an aromatic crunch that pairs wonderfully with the tomato basil flavors. It’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Parmesan Croutons
- Top your soup with homemade parmesan croutons for added texture. They bring a savory crunch that elevates each spoonful.
Drizzle of Olive Oil
- A drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top just before serving adds depth and richness, enhancing the overall flavor.
How to Perfect Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
To achieve the best results with your Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup, consider these simple tips that will elevate your dish.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and basil can enhance flavor significantly compared to canned options.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup before serving; adjust salt and pepper levels to suit your preference.
- Blend thoroughly: For a creamier texture, blend the soup well until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Add cheese: Stir in some grated parmesan just before serving for an extra layer of richness.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or rosemary to customize the flavor.
- Cool before storing: If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup pairs beautifully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some fantastic options to consider when planning your meal.
- Caprese Salad – A refreshing mix of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
- Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices provide a hearty addition alongside the soup.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing, croutons, and parmesan makes for a classic pairing.
- Cheesy Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits baked with melted cheese create a warm side perfect for dipping into soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables roasted until tender add color and nutrition to your meal.
- Pasta Salad – A cold pasta salad with veggies and Italian dressing offers a nice contrast in temperature and texture.
- Quiche – Slice up some quiche for a savory addition that pairs well with the creamy flavors of tomato basil soup.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned well can provide an enjoyable crunch when served alongside your soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup can be a joy, but certain mistakes can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Ignoring the garlic: Not mincing the garlic properly can lead to uneven flavor. Always ensure it’s finely minced to release its full potential.
- Skipping the blending step: Failing to blend the soup results in a chunky texture. Use an immersion blender for a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Overcooking the cream: Adding heavy cream too early can cause it to separate. Stir it in just before serving for best results.
- Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoning can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.
- Using low-quality tomatoes: Poor-quality canned tomatoes can ruin your soup. Choose high-quality crushed tomatoes for a rich flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The soup will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place soup in an oven-safe dish, covering with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup that may help you out!
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Just make sure they are ripe and blend them well after cooking.
How do I make this soup vegan?
To make it vegan, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use vegetable broth.
Can I customize the flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like red pepper flakes for heat or other herbs like thyme for different flavor profiles.
What goes well with Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a fresh garden salad.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite spices or vegetables. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for cozy nights or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying!
Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x
Description
Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights, offering a warm and creamy blend of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil. This easy recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect as an appetizer or a main dish. Just toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let the flavors meld together effortlessly. The result is a rich, savory soup that will impress family and friends alike. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with crusty bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a cozy meal that warms both body and soul.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic.
- In your slow cooker, combine crushed tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, and vegetable broth.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Stir in heavy cream, chopped basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot in bowls with your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 224
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 755mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
