Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup
There’s nothing quite like a warm, velvety bowl of tomato bisque soup to bring comfort on a chilly day. Whether you’re cozied up on the couch or gathered around the table with family, this rich and creamy soup is pure comfort in a bowl. The deep tomato flavor, paired with smooth creaminess, makes it a favorite for both kids and adults alike.
This recipe is simple yet luxurious, with a silky texture and a hint of sweetness that balances the natural acidity of tomatoes. It’s a perfect meal for lunch or dinner and pairs wonderfully with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich or a slice of crusty bread. Even if you’ve never made homemade soup before, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results.
If you love classic flavors with a touch of indulgence, this tomato bisque is for you. It’s packed with fresh ingredients, easy to customize, and can be made in under an hour. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or meal prepping for the week, this soup will quickly become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The perfect balance of smooth, velvety texture and deep tomato flavor.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal effort make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Great for Any Season: Enjoy it warm in winter or serve it slightly chilled in summer.
- Pairs Well with Many Dishes: Serve it with grilled cheese, garlic bread, or even a fresh salad.
- Customizable: Adjust the creaminess, spice level, or add herbs for extra depth of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
For Serving (Optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Croutons or toasted bread
Kitchen Tools Needed
To make this creamy tomato bisque soup, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Large pot or Dutch oven – For cooking the soup evenly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – To stir the ingredients while they cook.
- Knife and cutting board – For chopping the onion and garlic.
- Blender or immersion blender – To puree the soup for a smooth texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Ladle – For serving the soup.
Having these tools ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable!
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. - Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Add the vegetable or chicken broth, sugar, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Blend Until Smooth:
Once the soup has cooked down and the flavors have blended, use an immersion blender to puree it directly in the pot until smooth. If using a regular blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches and blend until silky. Be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering. - Add the Cream:
Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Let it heat through on low for about 5 minutes, but don’t let it boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. - Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, or croutons for extra texture and flavor. Serve warm with your favorite bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal!
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Balance the acidity: If the soup tastes too tart, add a pinch more sugar or a splash of cream to balance the flavors.
- Make it dairy-free: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative for a vegan-friendly version.
- Enhance the flavor: A dash of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes can add a subtle depth of flavor.
- Avoid curdling: When adding cream, make sure the soup isn’t boiling—keep the heat low to prevent separation.
- Use fresh ingredients when possible: Fresh basil and high-quality canned tomatoes can make a big difference in taste.
- Store and reheat properly: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
This homemade tomato bisque soup is creamy, cozy, and bursting with flavor. It’s an easy-to-make dish that feels fancy but is simple enough for any day of the week. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about tomato bisque is how easy it is to customize! Here are some ingredient swaps and variations to make it fit your preferences:
- Dairy-Free/Vegan Option: Replace butter with olive oil and swap heavy cream for coconut milk, oat milk, or cashew cream. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Lower-Fat Version: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter soup.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce for a deeper, richer taste.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like heat.
- Herb Variations: Instead of basil, try thyme, oregano, or a mix of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- Roasted Tomato Bisque: Use roasted tomatoes instead of canned ones for a smoky, slightly caramelized flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Tomato bisque is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right side makes it even better! Here are some great ways to serve it:
- Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich – The ultimate comfort food pairing! The crispy, buttery bread with melted cheese goes perfectly with the creamy soup.
- Garlic Bread or Crostini – Toasted bread with garlic butter is perfect for dipping.
- Cheese Toast – Top slices of bread with shredded cheese and broil until bubbly.
- Side Salad – A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Pasta or Rice – Stir in cooked pasta or rice to make the soup heartier.
- Croutons and Parmesan – Sprinkle homemade or store-bought croutons on top for extra crunch.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your soup while keeping it delicious:
- Refrigeration: Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Tomato bisque freezes well! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one.
- From Frozen: Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, or reheat from frozen on low heat, stirring often.
FAQ
1. What’s the difference between tomato bisque and tomato soup?
Tomato bisque is creamier and richer than regular tomato soup because it contains cream or milk. Traditional tomato soup is usually more brothy and less thick.
2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Roast about 2 lbs of fresh tomatoes in the oven with olive oil and salt, then blend them into the soup for a fresh, deep flavor.
3. How do I make my soup thicker?
Let it simmer longer to reduce excess liquid, or blend in a slice of bread or a little cornstarch mixed with water for extra thickness.
4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.
5. What’s the best way to blend the soup?
An immersion blender is easiest because you can blend it right in the pot. If using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly and blend in batches to avoid splattering.
This tomato bisque soup is a must-try, whether you’re looking for a cozy meal or an easy make-ahead dish. Give it a try and let me know your favorite way to enjoy it!
Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!
Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!
Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Blender or immersion blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar to balance acidity
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
For Serving (Optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Croutons or toasted bread
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Add the vegetable or chicken broth, sugar, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Blend Until Smooth:
- Once the soup has cooked down and the flavors have blended, use an immersion blender to puree it directly in the pot until smooth. If using a regular blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches and blend until silky. Be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering.
Add the Cream:
- Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Let it heat through on low for about 5 minutes, but don’t let it boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, or croutons for extra texture and flavor. Serve warm with your favorite bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~250-300 kcal
- Protein: ~4g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fat: ~18g
- Saturated Fat: ~10g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~10g
- Sodium: ~600-800mg (varies with broth and seasoning)
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.