Slow Cooker Tomato & Basil Soup With Parmesan Croutons

This easy Slow Cooker Tomato & Basil Soup With Parmesan Croutons is rich, creamy, and full of comforting flavors. The slow cooker does all the work, making it a fuss-free meal. Crispy Parmesan croutons add the perfect crunch! Use fresh or canned tomatoes for flexibility and enjoy a warm, homemade soup any time of the year.

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Recipe Ingredients

  • 850g / 1.9 lbs vine-ripened tomatoes, quartered
  • 500ml / 2 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 tbsp red pesto
  • 1 large red onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Parmesan Croutons:

  • ½ baguette
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • A handful of grated Parmesan cheese

How To Make Slow Cooker Tomato & Basil Soup With Parmesan Croutons

  1. Prepare the soup: Place the tomatoes in your slow cooker, then add the vegetable stock, red pesto, sliced onion, crushed garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook on low for 2–3 hours.
  2. Blend the soup: Stir well, then use a hand blender to blitz the soup until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a little water to adjust the consistency. Add the basil, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 1 hour on low.
  3. Make the croutons: Slice the baguette into 6 discs, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
  4. Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and top with the crispy Parmesan croutons. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

  • Use ripe tomatoes: The sweeter and riper your tomatoes, the richer and more flavorful your soup will be. If using canned tomatoes, go for high-quality ones with no added sugar.
  • Blend well for a creamy texture: A hand blender works best, but if using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering.
  • Adjust thickness to your liking: If the soup is too thick, add a little extra vegetable stock or water after blending. If it’s too thin, let it cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes.
  • Make extra croutons: These crispy Parmesan croutons add great texture, so make a few extra to enjoy with other dishes like salads or dips.
  • Season at the end: Adding salt and pepper after blending ensures the best flavor balance, as cooking can change the taste of the ingredients.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh Ones?

Yes! Use two 400g (14oz) cans of high-quality whole or chopped tomatoes. They work great and make this recipe even easier.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just skip the Parmesan in the croutons or use a dairy-free alternative. The soup itself is naturally dairy-free.

What can I use instead of red pesto?

If you don’t have red pesto, use a spoonful of tomato purée (paste) and a pinch of dried basil for a similar flavor.

How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking for extra heat.

Can I use a regular pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! Simmer all the ingredients in a pot for 30–40 minutes, then blend and add basil at the end.

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Slow Cooker Tomato & Basil Soup With Parmesan Croutons

Recipe by Shili MohamedCourse: , SoupsCuisine: , British, AmericanDifficulty: , Medium
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

4

hours 
Calories

210

kcal

This easy Slow Cooker Tomato & Basil Soup With Parmesan Croutons is rich, creamy, and full of comforting flavors. The slow cooker does all the work, making it a fuss-free meal. Crispy Parmesan croutons add the perfect crunch! Use fresh or canned tomatoes for flexibility and enjoy a warm, homemade soup any time of the year.

Ingredients

  • 850g / 1.9 lbs vine-ripened tomatoes, quartered

  • 500ml / 2 cups vegetable stock

  • 1 tbsp red pesto

  • 1 large red onion, sliced

  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • A handful of fresh basil leaves

  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • For the Parmesan Croutons:
  • ½ baguette

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • A handful of grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

  • Prepare the soup: Place the tomatoes in your slow cooker, then add the vegetable stock, red pesto, sliced onion, crushed garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook on low for 2–3 hours.
  • Blend the soup: Stir well, then use a hand blender to blitz the soup until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a little water to adjust the consistency. Add the basil, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 1 hour on low.
  • Make the croutons: Slice the baguette into 6 discs, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
  • Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and top with the crispy Parmesan croutons. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

6 servings per container


  • Amount Per ServingCalories210
  • % Daily Value *
  • Total Fat 9g 14%
    • Saturated Fat 3g 15%
  • Cholesterol 5mg 2%
  • Sodium 480mg 20%
  • Total Carbohydrate 28g 10%
    • Dietary Fiber 6g 24%
    • Sugars 5g
  • Protein 7g 15%

    * The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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