Slow Cooker Tomato Soup Recipe

Imagine coming home after a long day, the comforting aroma of homemade tomato soup wafting through your kitchen, inviting you to take a seat and savor a bowl of warmth. This Slow Cooker Tomato Soup Recipe is not just any soup; it’s a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that meld together over time, resulting in a dish that is both rich and satisfying. Made primarily with juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of cream, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire!

What Makes This Recipe Special

The magic of this Slow Cooker Tomato Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. Using fresh cherry tomatoes elevates the soup, giving it a vibrant sweetness that canned tomatoes simply can’t replicate. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich, creamy soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Not to mention, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite crusty bread for dipping.

The Essentials

To whip up this delicious soup, you’ll need a handful of ingredients that are easy to find and bursting with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 lbs cherry tomatoes – washed and halved lengthwise for maximum sweetness.
• 10 cloves garlic – peeled and smashed to unleash their aromatic power.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing and flavor enhancement.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – to taste, enhancing all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a subtle kick.
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs – a blend of dried herbs for depth.
• 1 sweet onion – diced, adding sweetness and texture.
• 1 red bell pepper – deseeded and diced for extra color and flavor.
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste – enriching the tomato flavor.
• 3 cups vegetable broth – the base of our soup.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves – for a touch of classic flavor.
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes – for a hint of heat.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – to taste.
• 1 cup heavy cream – or half and half for a creamy finish.
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese – for a savory finish.
• Fresh basil leaves – for garnish and an aromatic touch.

What’s in the Gear List

To make this Slow Cooker Tomato Soup Recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Slow Cooker – the star of the show, allowing for hands-off cooking and deep flavor infusion.
• Cutting Board and Knife – for prepping your veggies with ease.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – to ensure accurate ingredient ratios.
• Blender or Immersion Blender – to purée the soup to your desired consistency.
• Soup Ladle – for serving up the deliciousness.

Slow Cooker Tomato Soup Recipe: How It’s Done

Ready to dive into making this comforting soup? Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing your cherry tomatoes and halving them lengthwise. Peel and smash the garlic cloves, then dice the sweet onion and red bell pepper.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and smashed garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Combine in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the sautéed mixture to the slow cooker. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, Italian herbs, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Allow the flavors to meld beautifully as it cooks.

Step 5: Blend for Creaminess

Once the cooking time is up, carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender until you reach your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend just half of the soup.

Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream or half and half and grated parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes on low.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm with your favorite bread.

Tailor It to Your Diet

This Slow Cooker Tomato Soup Recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are some easy modifications:

• Vegan Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and omit the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
• Low-Carb: Skip the cream and serve the soup as is for a light, low-carb option.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so enjoy without worry!
• Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Avoid These Traps

To ensure your Slow Cooker Tomato Soup is a hit, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t rush the cooking time—slow cooking is key to developing deep flavors.
• Avoid using unripe tomatoes; they won’t provide the sweetness that makes this soup shine.
• Be careful not to over-blend; you want a smooth texture, but some chunks can add character.
• Don’t skip the seasonings; they are essential for elevating the soup’s flavor profile.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

This Slow Cooker Tomato Soup is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Questions People Ask

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

While fresh cherry tomatoes provide the best flavor, you can use canned tomatoes in a pinch. Just adjust the seasoning, as canned tomatoes can be more acidic.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño during the sautéing step for an extra kick of heat.

Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

Absolutely! Chicken broth will work just fine if you prefer that flavor; it will add a different depth to the soup.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, garlic bread, or a simple green salad.

You Might Also Like

• Roasted Red Pepper Soup
• Creamy Basil Pasta
• Vegetarian Chili
• Creamy Mushroom Soup

The Takeaway

This Slow Cooker Tomato Soup Recipe is a simple yet decadent dish that brings the warmth of home cooking to your table. With its easy preparation, rich flavor, and delightful aroma, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it on a cold winter night or as a quick weeknight meal, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings. So grab your slow cooker, and let the magic begin! Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting classic and remember that some of the best meals come from the simplest ingredients.

Slow Cooker Tomato Soup Recipe

This Slow Cooker Tomato Soup is a comforting blend of fresh cherry tomatoes and creamy goodness!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Soup:

• 3 lbs cherry tomatoes washed and halved lengthwise
• 10 cloves garlic peeled and smashed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
• 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper for a subtle kick
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs a blend of dried herbs
• 1 large sweet onion diced
• 1 large red bell pepper deseeded and diced
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste enriching the tomato flavor
• 3 cups vegetable broth the base of our soup
• 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves for classic flavor
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a hint of heat
• 1/4 teaspoon salt to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese for a savory finish
• to taste fresh basil leaves for garnish

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender or Immersion Blender
• Soup Ladle

Method

 

Instructions:

1. Start by washing your cherry tomatoes and halving them lengthwise. Peel and smash the garlic cloves, then dice the sweet onion and red bell pepper.
2. In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and smashed garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Transfer the sautéed mixture to the slow cooker. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, Italian herbs, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Allow the flavors to meld beautifully as it cooks.
5. Once the cooking time is up, carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender until you reach your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend just half of the soup.
6. Stir in the heavy cream or half and half and grated parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes on low.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm with your favorite bread.

Notes

• Don’t rush the cooking time—slow cooking is key to developing deep flavors.
• Avoid using unripe tomatoes; they won’t provide the sweetness that makes this soup shine.
• Be careful not to over-blend; you want a smooth texture, but some chunks can add character.