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.
Jump to Recipe Print RecipeRecipe 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
- 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!
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.
Check out More Recipes:
- Slow Cooker Easy Shredded Chicken And Dumplings
- Slow Cooker Zucchini And Ricotta Cannelloni
- Slow Cooker Zingy Beef Tacos
Slow Cooker Tomato & Basil Soup With Parmesan Croutons
Course: , SoupsCuisine: , British, AmericanDifficulty: , Medium6
servings10
minutes4
hours210
kcalThis 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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