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Creamy Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Crispy Grilled Cheese Dippers Made Easy

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A rich and satisfying creamy tomato basil soup slow-cooked to perfection, paired with crispy grilled cheese dippers for a comforting meal perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 28 oz (800 g) canned crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth or chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (6 g) fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 8 slices white or sourdough bread
  • 8 oz (225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, sliced (can mix with mozzarella)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Optional: pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs for buttered sides

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  3. Transfer sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, sugar, and chopped basil to the slow cooker. Stir gently.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
  6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, blend in batches in a standard blender carefully.
  7. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add broth or water if soup is too thick.
  8. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place cheese between two slices, buttered sides facing out.
  9. Cut each sandwich into 1-inch wide sticks.
  10. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Grill the cheese sticks until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  11. Serve the creamy tomato basil soup in bowls with hot, crispy grilled cheese dippers on the side.

Notes

Do not rush slow cooker time for best flavor. Add fresh basil near end of cooking to preserve flavor. Vent blender lid when pureeing hot soup to avoid splatters. Butter bread well for golden crust. Mix cheddar with mozzarella for extra gooey grilled cheese. Cook grilled cheese dippers just before serving to keep crisp. Soup can be simmered on stove if no slow cooker is available. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato basil soup, slow cooker soup, creamy tomato soup, grilled cheese dippers, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy meal

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/creamy-slow-cooker-tomato-basil-soup-recipe-with-crispy-grilled-cheese-dippers-made-easy/