Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup with Cheesy Croutons

I already have a recipe for Tomato Basil Soup, but wanted a crock pot recipe for one as well. The main reason I choose this one was because of the cheesy croutons, but then I almost did not make the croutons. But let me tell, do not skip the croutons, they are so very good and add a nice crunch and flavor to the soup.

Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup with Cheesy Croutons

Ingredients:

• 2- 28 ounce cans whole peeled plum tomatoes
• 15 ounce no salt added tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons no salt added tomato paste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil

Cheesy Croutons

• 4 cups 1 inch French bread cubes
• 1 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. In a crock pot add the whole tomatoes and crush with the back of a spoon.
2. Add in tomato sauce, vegetable sauce, garlic, onion, bell pepper, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar and black pepper. Stir to mix well.
3. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Puree with an immersion blender or transfer in batches to a blend and blend until smooth.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil.

Cheesy Croutons

1. Preheat the oven to 375º F. Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Spread the bread cubes into a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with both cheeses.
3. Bake until crispy and lightly golden brown, about 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through.
4. Set aside and let cool.

Enjoy!!!

Notes:

The croutons are best served the day they are made. If stored in an air tight container they will lose their crunch and become soft.

I added the fresh basil before I pureed the soup because my kids do not like pieces of fresh basil in their soup.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 213
Total Fat		9.1g
Saturated Fat		5.6g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0.1g
Monounsaturated Fat		0g
Trans Fat		0g
Cholesterol		31.5mg
Sodium		472.8mg
Potassium		503.9mg
Total Carbohydrates		13.7g
Dietary Fiber		3.6g
Sugars		7.6g
Protein		7g
Vitamin A 26.7% Vitamin C 59.6%
Calcium 49.3% Iron 5.9%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Damn Delicious.