Crock Pot Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

There’s something about a hearty, warm bowl of soup that just hits different on a chilly day, and Tomato Basil Soup is one of those classic comfort foods that never goes out of style. Imagine rich, creamy tomatoes paired with the freshness of basil, creating a bowl of velvety goodness that’s just the thing to make you feel cozy and satisfied. What if I told you there’s a way to make this delicious soup without standing over the stove for hours? Enter the Crock Pot Tomato Basil Soup – a magical creation that’s easy to make and even easier to love.

This recipe takes all the best parts of a traditional tomato basil soup and simplifies them using a slow cooker, so you can throw everything in, set it, and forget it. The result? A rich, flavorful soup that’s practically effortless, with minimal hands-on time required.

So, if you’re looking for a comforting and convenient meal that will satisfy your taste buds and fill your home with irresistible aromas, keep reading!

Crock Pot Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Now, let’s dive right into the recipe. I promise, this will become your go-to when you’re craving a bowl of Tomato Basil Soup. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend lunch, this Crock Pot version saves you time without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Crock Pot Tomato Basil Soup:

• Tomatoes (canned or fresh): About 6 cups of tomatoes, either diced fresh or canned whole tomatoes (with juice)
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, to sauté the aromatics and add richness to the base
• Yellow onion: 1 medium, chopped, to bring in some sweetness and flavor depth
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, for a lovely aromatic punch
• Vegetable broth (or chicken broth): 4 cups, to create a rich, savory base
• Dried basil: 2 tablespoons, or fresh if you have it on hand
• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon, adding a hint of earthiness to the soup
• Bay leaf: 1, to give a subtle depth of flavor
• Heavy cream: 1 cup, to add creaminess and richness
• Salt & pepper: To taste, for seasoning
• Sugar: 1-2 teaspoons, optional, depending on the acidity of your tomatoes (helps balance the flavors)
• Fresh basil leaves: A handful, chopped, for garnish (optional, but highly recommended!)

Cooking Instructions

Making this soup is incredibly simple, and the best part is that most of the work is done by your trusty Crock Pot. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

1. Prepare the Aromatics: In a skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or so until fragrant. This step is all about building a solid base of flavor.
2. Add to Crock Pot: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic mixture into your Crock Pot. Add the canned or fresh diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, dried basil, oregano, bay leaf, and sugar (if using). Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
3. Slow Cook: Cover the Crock Pot and set it on low heat. Let it cook for 6-7 hours. If you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but the longer, slower cook time will really allow all the flavors to meld together.
4. Puree the Soup: Once the soup is done cooking, remove the bay leaf and blend the soup. You can use an immersion blender directly in the Crock Pot for a smooth, velvety texture, or transfer it in batches to a regular blender. Blend until it’s completely smooth.
5. Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, adding a creamy richness that takes the soup to the next level. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve & Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped basil if you have it. You could also sprinkle in some Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.

Ingredient Insights

• Tomatoes: You can use either fresh tomatoes or canned, depending on what’s available. Canned tomatoes are often more concentrated in flavor and have a natural sweetness, which is great for soups. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, make sure to peel and chop them before adding them to the Crock Pot.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil provides a rich, fruity flavor that blends well with the soup. Don’t skip this, as it enhances the base of your soup. You could substitute with butter for an even richer base if you prefer.
• Heavy Cream: The heavy cream is essential for that signature creamy texture that Tomato Basil Soup is known for. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds an amazing fragrance and a burst of color to the finished soup. Using fresh basil at the end preserves the fresh flavor that dried basil simply can’t replicate.

Expert Tips

To make your Crock Pot Tomato Basil Soup even better, here are some expert tips:

• Use a Blender for Extra Smoothness: If you want your soup to be extra silky and smooth, blend it for a longer time, or pass it through a fine mesh strainer to remove any leftover bits of tomato or skin.
• Enhance the Umami: For more depth of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste during the cooking process or a splash of balsamic vinegar right before serving.
• Make It Vegan: Swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream to make this soup completely vegan. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegan-friendly option.
• Add Spice: If you like a little kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. It’ll add a subtle heat without overpowering the other flavors.
• Storage: This soup stores wonderfully. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave out the cream if you plan to freeze it, adding it in after reheating.

Recipe Variations

There are tons of ways to make this Tomato Basil Soup your own. Here are a few variations to try:

• Cheesy Tomato Basil Soup: Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese to the soup while it’s blending for a cheesy twist.
• Roasted Tomato Basil Soup: If you want a deeper, caramelized flavor, try roasting your tomatoes and garlic in the oven before adding them to the Crock Pot. This adds a rich, smoky depth to the soup.
• Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons: Turn this soup into a full meal by topping it with crispy grilled cheese croutons. Just make grilled cheese sandwiches, cut them into cubes, and toss them on top of the soup for a fun, nostalgic twist.
• Spicy Tomato Basil Soup: If you love heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy variation. The balance of heat with the creamy soup is mouthwatering!

Final Words

This Crock Pot Tomato Basil Soup is a game-changer. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that gives you a comforting, restaurant-quality bowl of soup with minimal effort. The rich, creamy texture, combined with the aromatic basil and savory tomatoes, makes for an unbeatable meal that you’ll want to make time and time again.

Whether you’re serving it with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich or just enjoying it on its own, this soup is the perfect blend of convenience and flavor.