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This dish may be simple to prepare, but it’s packed with flavor and makes for a comforting, satisfying meal. Let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious slow cooker soup and the perfect cheesy toast bites.
#### Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base
1. **Add the tomatoes**: In your slow cooker, combine the **crushed tomatoes**, **diced tomatoes**, and **tomato sauce**. This creates a rich, tangy base for your soup.
2. **Add the broth**: Pour in the **vegetable or chicken broth**, which helps thin the soup while adding savory depth.
3. **Season the soup**: Stir in the **diced onion**, **minced garlic**, **basil**, **oregano**, **salt**, and **pepper**. These aromatics will give the soup its warm, flavorful base.
4. **Slow cook**: Set your slow cooker to **low** and cook the soup for **4-6 hours**, or on **high** for 2-3 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop a rich, comforting taste.
#### Step 3: Make the Cheddar Toast Bites
1. While the soup is finishing, **preheat your oven** to **375°F (190°C)**.
2. **Prepare the bread**: Lay out your **slices of bread** on a baking sheet. Brush each slice with **melted butter** on both sides for extra crispness.
3. **Add the cheese**: Sprinkle the **shredded cheddar cheese** generously over the top of each bread slice. If you’re using garlic powder or parsley, sprinkle it on top for added flavor and garnish.
4. **Toast the bread**: Bake the bread slices in the oven for **10-12 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden brown and crispy.
5. **Cut into bites**: Once the bread is toasted, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Cut it into small **bite-sized squares** for easy dipping.
#### Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
1. Once the soup is done cooking and the tortellini is tender, stir in the **heavy cream** to add richness and creaminess to the soup.
2. **Ladle the soup** into bowls and serve with the **cheddar toast bites** on the side. These crunchy, cheesy bites are perfect for dipping into the velvety soup and soaking up all the flavors.
– **Add More Veggies**: For a more hearty soup, consider adding other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or carrots. You can toss them into the slow cooker along with the tomatoes and broth.
– **Spice It Up**: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chili powder to give the soup an extra kick.
– **Make It Ahead of Time**: This soup can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, so you can make a double batch and freeze individual servings for later.
– **Vary the Cheese**: While cheddar cheese is a classic for the toast bites, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan for different flavor profiles.
**Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup** is the epitome of comfort food. The slow cooker allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich, savory soup base. The addition of creamy tortellini gives the soup a satisfying heartiness, making it a meal on its own. The **Cheddar Toast Bites** elevate the dish with their crispy, cheesy goodness, adding both texture and flavor that perfectly complement the smooth soup.
### Conclusion
**Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Cheddar Toast Bites** is the ultimate comfort meal—warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a wonderful dish for chilly evenings or when you want something easy, yet flavorful. The slow cooker does all the hard work, while the cheddar toast bites offer a cheesy, crunchy companion to the creamy soup. It’s a meal that’s perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or when you’re hosting friends.
