Tomato Tortellini Soup with Cheddar & Toast Bites Made in a Crockpot

When the weather turns chilly, nothing is more comforting than a warm, hearty bowl of soup. This Tomato Tortellini Soup with Cheddar & Toast Bites made in a Crockpot is a perfect blend of savory flavors, creamy texture, and the satisfying crunch of homemade toast bites. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—let your slow cooker do the hard work while you enjoy the delightful aroma that fills your home.

With a rich tomato base, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a melty cheddar finish, this soup is a meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Paired with crispy toast bites and topped with fresh basil or parsley, it’s an easy yet impressive dish for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 2 cans of diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces each), undrained
• 4 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 cup of thick cream (heavy cream or half-and-half)
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package (9 oz) of refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
• 1 and a half cups of grated cheddar cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

For the Toast Bites:

• 4 slices of stale bread, cut into small cubes
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)

Instructions:

Prepare the Soup:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Start by heating the olive oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it softens and becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Next, add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to release.
2. Transfer to the Crockpot: Once the onion and garlic are cooked, transfer them to your Crockpot. Add the undrained diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
3. Slow Cook the Soup: Cover the Crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Add the Tortellini and Cheddar:

4. Creamy Addition: About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the thick cream and add the cheese tortellini to the pot. Cover the Crockpot and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
5. Melt the Cheddar: Once the tortellini is cooked, add the grated cheddar cheese and stir until it fully melts, transforming the soup into a creamy, cheesy delight. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.

Prepare the Toast Bites:

6. Toast the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet, drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss the cubes to ensure they’re evenly coated.
7. Bake to Crispy Perfection: Bake the bread cubes for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy around the edges. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking for extra flavor.

Serve the Dish:

8. Final Touches: Once everything is ready, ladle the creamy tomato tortellini soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve the homemade toast bites either on top of the soup or on the side, and enjoy the perfect combination of textures and tastes.

Conclusion:

This Tomato Tortellini Soup with Cheddar & Toast Bites made in a Crockpot is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the richness of tomato, the creamy indulgence of cheese, and the satisfying crunch of toast. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or a gathering with friends, it’s sure to become a favorite. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy the meal. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to prepare. Pair it with a side salad or enjoy it as is—the result is a deliciously comforting soup that will warm you from the inside out.