Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe

If you love a soup that’s bursting with flavor, comforting, and velvety smooth, I’m thrilled to share my favorite Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe with you. This classic dish takes ripe heirloom and vine tomatoes, roasting them to deepen their flavors, then blending them into a rich, silky bisque. The harmony of roasted red bell pepper and garlic adds a subtle smoky sweetness, while the touch of cream and fresh basil elevates the whole experience to something truly special. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or looking for a crowd-pleasing starter, this soup never fails to impress with every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe. Each component is simple yet plays a vital role, from the juicy tomatoes that form the base to the fragrant basil that adds a fresh finish. They’re the kind of pantry and fridge staples that come together effortlessly.

• 1 lb tomatoes on the vine: Ripe and juicy, these contribute a natural sweetness and brightness.
• 2 lb heirloom tomatoes: Their complex flavor adds depth and beautiful color.
• 1 red bell pepper: Roasting it brings out a subtle, smoky sweetness that complements the tomatoes.
• 5 cloves garlic: Adds pungent warmth and aromatic richness.
• 1 small onion: Provides a savory foundation when roasted and blended.
• 1 tablespoon butter: Adds creaminess and helps build a velvety texture.
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: For richness and a smooth mouthfeel.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Used to create a gentle thickening roux base.
• 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intense tomato flavor and deeper color.
• 4 cups chicken broth: Adds savory depth; you can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• Sea salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances natural acidity in the tomatoes.
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream: Gives the bisque its luscious, creamy texture.
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried): Brings a fresh, herbal brightness to finish the soup.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (220°C). Lay out the vine and heirloom tomatoes, red bell pepper, onion quarters, and garlic cloves on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roasting for 30 to 40 minutes caramelizes the natural sugars, deepening flavors and softening the veggies so they blend into a silky base later.

Step 2: Blend to Perfection

Once the roasted vegetables are cool enough to handle, place them in a blender and puree until smooth. This step ensures your bisque will have that luxuriously creamy texture with no chunks, marrying all those roasted flavors into one harmonious sauce.

Step 3: Make the Roux and Tomato Base

In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil together over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste and create a thickening base. Then add the tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute or two, which concentrates the tomato flavor even more.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Slowly whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth to blend the roux smoothly, then add the remaining 3 cups along with your roasted vegetable puree. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar to taste, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir in the cream and fresh or dried basil, then let the soup simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Now for the best part — ladle your warm bisque into bowls. For added elegance and flavor, drizzle a little olive oil and cream on top and scatter fresh basil leaves. Serve alongside a crispy, cheesy grilled cheese sandwich for a meal that feels like a big, cozy hug on a cold day.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe

Garnishes

A simple drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a swirl of cream transforms this bisque from comforting to downright luxurious. Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper add fresh, lively notes that brighten every spoonful.

Side Dishes

This creamy tomato bisque pairs flawlessly with grilled cheese sandwiches—especially ones loaded with melted cheddar or even a bacon twist. A crusty baguette or garlic toast also makes fantastic companions, perfect for dipping and soaking up the velvety soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the bisque in mini cups or shot glasses as an elegant appetizer. You can also add a dollop of pesto or a few roasted tomato halves on top to enhance both presentation and flavor. The beautiful red-orange hue of this bisque always makes a stunning first impression.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your bisque cools to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or quick weekday lunches.

Freezing

This Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully. Pour the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of broth or cream while warming can bring the bisque back to its perfectly smooth, luxurious texture.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use vegetable-based butter or olive oil to keep it fully vegetarian without losing flavor.

What if I don’t have heirloom tomatoes?

No worries! Use additional vine tomatoes or any ripe tomatoes you have on hand—just be sure they’re juicy and flavorful to keep the bisque rich.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Yes! Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when simmering will give the bisque a gentle kick without overpowering the natural tomato flavor.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream to keep it creamy and delicious while making this bisque dairy-free.

How thick should the bisque be?

The bisque should be nicely thickened but still pourable—think warm velvet in a bowl. Adjust the thickness by adding a bit more broth or cream as needed while cooking.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the comfort and joy of homemade soup, and this Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe is a shining example of that. From the rich roasted vegetables to the silky cream and fresh basil, it’s a dish that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking and even happier slurping!

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