🍲 Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Cheddar Toast Bites 🍞🧀

✨ Introduction

A creamy, comforting slow cooker soup paired with cheesy toast bites—perfect for cozy nights and family dinners.

🧂 Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

For the Cheddar Toast Bites

• 4 slices thick bread (French or sourdough)
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For Garnishing

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Prepare soup: Transfer onion and garlic to slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook on low 4–5 hours or high 2–3 hours.
3. Cook tortellini: About 20 minutes before serving, add tortellini. Cook until tender.
4. Finish soup: Stir in heavy cream. Cook 5 minutes more. Adjust seasoning.
5. Cheddar toast bites: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush bread with melted butter, sprinkle cheddar, and bake 8–10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with basil or parsley and extra cheddar if desired. Serve with toast bites for dipping.

💡 Tips

• Extra flavor: Add a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar to the soup base.
• Pairing: Serve with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.