Ingredients
Scale
- 28 oz Crushed tomatoes, (canned)
- 30 oz Diced tomatoes, (canned)
- 1/2 cup White onion, (diced)
- 1 teaspoon Thyme, (dried)
- 1 teaspoon Oregano, (dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon Basil, (dried)
- 1/2 tablespoon Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
- 2 cups Vegetable broth
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 1 cup Half & half
Instructions
- Load up the slow cooker
Start by adding the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, diced onion, dried herbs (thyme, oregano, basil), sugar, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Pour in the vegetable broth and give everything a good stir. This is where you realize just how hands-off this recipe is – you don’t even need to sauté the onions! - Let it simmer and develop flavors
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 4-5 hours, or on low for 6-7 hours. During this time, the tomatoes will break down, the onions will soften, and the herbs will infuse the whole mixture with flavor. If you’re around, give it a stir halfway through, but honestly, it’s not necessary. - Blend it smooth
Once the cooking time is up, add the butter and half & half directly into the slow cooker. Use an immersion blender to blend everything until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend it a bit less – it’s totally up to you. (Pro tip: Be careful with the immersion blender; I’ve had a few “tomato splatter” incidents over the years!) - Season to taste
Give the soup a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes, a pinch more salt or pepper is all it needs to make the flavors pop. - Serve warm and enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve warm. This is the moment to breathe in that amazing tomato-herb aroma. I love garnishing mine with a drizzle of extra cream and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a little flair.
Notes
Serving suggestions: Make it a meal
This soup pairs beautifully with so many dishes. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:
- Grilled cheese: The classic pairing! I love using sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a gooey, melty experience.
- Crusty bread: A slice of warm baguette or sourdough, brushed with olive oil and toasted, is perfect for dipping.
- Salad on the side: A light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a nice contrast to the rich, creamy soup.
- Toppings: Sprinkle on some croutons, shredded parmesan, or fresh basil for a bit of texture and extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner