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Best Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

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This creamy slow cooker tomato basil soup is pure comfort, with a velvety texture and deep tomato flavor. Topped with crispy, gooey grilled cheese croutons, it’s a hug in a bowl that’s perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (28 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • 8 slices sourdough or hearty white bread
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or Gruyère or a mix)
  • Optional: a pinch of garlic powder or dried basil

Instructions

  1. Prep the aromatics: Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  2. Build the soup base: Add canned tomatoes (with juices), chopped onion, minced garlic, vegetable broth, tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the slow cooker. Stir. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Blend until smooth: Turn off the slow cooker. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until completely smooth. If using a regular blender, let the soup cool for 10 minutes, then blend in batches.
  5. Add the creamy finish: Stir in the heavy cream, butter, and fresh basil. Let sit for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  6. Make the grilled cheese croutons: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place 4 slices butter-side down, pile on cheese, top with remaining bread slices butter-side up. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cheese is melted. Let cool 2 minutes, then cut into 1-inch squares.
  7. Serve immediately: Ladle soup into bowls, top with croutons, and garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and vegan butter and cheese for the croutons. If soup tastes flat, add a teaspoon of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar. Freeze soup without cream for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/best-easy-creamy-tomato-basil-soup-with-grilled-cheese-croutons/