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Creamy Slow Cooker Roasted Tomato Basil Bisque Recipe with Easy Grilled Cheese Dippers

slow cooker roasted tomato basil bisque - featured image
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A warm, comforting tomato bisque slow-cooked to perfection and paired with classic grilled cheese dippers for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  • Fresh tomatoes (about 3 pounds or 1.4 kg), preferably Roma or vine-ripened
  • Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
  • Yellow onion (1 large, chopped)
  • Garlic cloves (4, minced)
  • Fresh basil leaves (1 cup packed, chopped)
  • Vegetable or chicken broth (3 cups / 720 ml)
  • Heavy cream (1 cup / 240 ml)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, 1/4 teaspoon)
  • Bread slices (8, sturdy white or sourdough)
  • Cheddar cheese (4 ounces / 115 g, shredded)
  • Mozzarella cheese (4 ounces / 115 g, shredded)
  • Butter (2 tablespoons, softened)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Wash and halve the tomatoes, then toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped onion pieces. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.
  3. Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized around the edges.
  4. Transfer the roasted tomatoes and onions into the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, broth, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently.
  5. Set your slow cooker to low and let it simmer for 4 hours (or high for 2 hours if short on time).
  6. Use an immersion blender right in the slow cooker to puree the soup until creamy and smooth.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh basil leaves. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Let it warm through for another 10 minutes with the lid on.
  8. Butter one side of each bread slice. Layer cheddar and mozzarella on the unbuttered side of half the slices, then top with the other slices, buttered side out.
  9. Heat skillet over medium heat and cook sandwiches 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cheese melts. Cut into sticks.
  10. Ladle the bisque into bowls with grilled cheese dippers on the side for dunking.

Notes

Roasting tomatoes and onions intensifies flavor. Use an immersion blender for safety and texture control. Add cream and basil at the end to preserve freshness. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and use vegan butter and cheese. If soup is too thick, add broth or cream to loosen. Cook grilled cheese on medium-low heat to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, tomato bisque, roasted tomato soup, basil, creamy soup, grilled cheese dippers, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/creamy-slow-cooker-roasted-tomato-basil-bisque-recipe-with-easy-grilled-cheese-dippers/