If you are on the hunt for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s beautifully silky, bursting with fresh tomato flavor, and has that perfect balance of creaminess and herbaceous zest that makes every spoonful utterly crave-worthy. Whether you’re looking for a midday pick-me-up or a cozy dinner to share with loved ones, this tomato bisque brings together simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying experience that feels both elegant and homestyle at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this soup comes from straightforward ingredients that each play a special role in crafting the flavor, texture, and inviting color. From tender carrots adding subtle sweetness to fresh basil bringing bright herbal notes, each component is essential to making this soup sing.
- Extra virgin olive oil (â…“ cup): Adds a fruity richness and helps soften the vegetables in the beginning stages.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Provides creaminess and depth, perfectly balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Large carrots (2, peeled and diced): Contribute natural sweetness and body to the bisque.
- Large yellow onion (1, diced): Offers that fundamental savory base note and subtle sweetness.
- Garlic cloves (6, roughly chopped): Infuse a warm, aromatic boldness without overpowering the tomatoes.
- Fresh or canned tomatoes (3 pounds fresh or 2 (28 oz) cans): The heart of the soup, providing vibrant color and luscious tomato flavor.
- Oregano sprigs (4, leaves removed or 1 teaspoon dried): For an earthy, slightly minty hint that enhances the tomato notes.
- Sea salt (2 teaspoons or to taste): Essential for balancing flavors and bringing out the soup’s true depth.
- Chicken stock (2 cups): Adds a savory richness that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Heavy cream (¾ cup plus more for garnish): Creates that signature creamy texture and luscious finish.
- Fresh basil leaves (1 cup packed plus more for garnish): Introduces a fresh, bright herbal note that perfectly complements the tomato base.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by melting the butter and olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add in the diced carrots and onions, stirring occasionally until the onions become translucent and tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. This slow cooking softens the vegetables and releases their natural sweetness, which is essential for the soup’s foundation.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Next, incorporate the roughly chopped garlic into the pot. Let it cook for about a minute, stirring continuously so the garlic releases its fragrant aroma without burning. This step infuses the base with a gentle garlicky warmth that enhances the overall depth.
Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes and Herbs
Now it’s time to add the star ingredient: your chopped fresh tomatoes or canned whole tomatoes, along with oregano leaves, sea salt, and chicken stock. Stir everything together, bringing the mixture to a boil before lowering the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook gently for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 4: Blend the Soup Until Smooth
Once the simmering is complete, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup right in the pot until velvety smooth. If you prefer, you can transfer the soup in batches to a high-powered blender. This blending transforms the chunky texture into a silky, creamy bisque.
Step 5: Finish with Cream
Return the smooth bisque to the pot and gently stir in the heavy cream. This addition makes the soup luxuriously creamy and mellow, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully. Give it a good stir until the soup is fully incorporated and heated through, but avoid boiling once cream is added to preserve its richness.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A simple swirl of extra heavy cream on top adds an elegant touch and indulgent taste, while fresh basil leaves scattered over the bowl introduce an inviting burst of color and fragrance. These little garnishes turn a humble bowl of soup into a feast for the eyes and palate.
Side Dishes
This bisque truly shines alongside crusty bread slathered with butter or a classic grilled cheese sandwich. The contrast between the creamy soup and the crunchy, cheesy sandwich creates a nostalgic pairing that’s hard to beat for any season or occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a visually stunning presentation, serve the bisque in small, individual crocks and top with crispy basil chips or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. You can also ladle the soup over a spoonful of pesto or garnish with toasted pine nuts for texture. These small twists elevate the experience and make serving this bisque extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, transfer the soup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors typically deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
Creamy soup can be finicky to freeze, but you can absolutely freeze the soup before adding the cream. Freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then stir in fresh cream when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your bisque gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking or curdling of the cream. Avoid boiling; just warm it until it’s steaming and silky smooth again. Add extra cream if needed to restore that signature luxurious texture.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the butter for olive oil and use coconut cream or your favorite plant-based cream alternative instead of heavy cream. Use vegetable stock in place of chicken stock, and you’ll have a delicious vegan version that’s just as creamy and comforting.
What kind of tomatoes work best for this recipe?
Fresh ripe tomatoes are excellent when in season, lending natural sweetness and brightness. However, good-quality canned whole tomatoes are a fantastic substitute year-round, offering consistent flavor and convenience without sacrificing taste.
Is it necessary to peel the tomatoes?
Peeling tomatoes is optional here because the soup will be blended smooth. If you prefer an ultra-silky texture, you can blanch and peel fresh tomatoes, but leaving the skins on adds extra fiber and nutrients without negatively affecting the soup.
Can I prepare parts of this ahead of time?
Yes! You can chop the vegetables a day ahead and store them in the fridge. The soup itself can be cooked fully then reheated gently when you’re ready to serve, making it perfect for busy days or entertaining.
How do I achieve the perfect creamy texture?
The key is the combination of butter, olive oil, and heavy cream. Cooking the vegetables slowly releases natural sweetness, blending to smooth perfection breaks down any chunks, and finishing with cream creates the velvety mouthfeel that defines a great tomato bisque.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a bowl of homemade soup that feels like it was made just for you, and this Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe fits that feeling perfectly. It’s straightforward to make with accessible ingredients yet delivers top-notch flavor and a silky finish that feels luxurious every time. I promise once you try it, this bisque will become one of your go-to comfort foods and a recipe you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
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Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This creamy Tomato Bisque Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any season. Made with fresh tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of cream, this soup delivers a rich and velvety texture that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- â…“ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 3 pounds fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 2 (28 oz) cans whole tomatoes)
- 4 sprigs oregano, leaves removed (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 2 teaspoons sea salt, or to taste
- 2 cups chicken stock
Finishing Ingredients
- ¾ cup heavy cream, plus more for garnish
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced carrots and onions, stirring occasionally until the onions turn translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step softens the vegetables and builds a flavorful base.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the roughly chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma and flavor without burning.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Incorporate the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes), oregano leaves, sea salt, and chicken stock into the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to soften thoroughly.
- Add Basil and Blend: Remove the pot from heat and add fresh basil leaves. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a high-powered blender and blend until smooth.
- Incorporate Cream: Return the blended soup to the pot if needed, and stir in the heavy cream until fully combined, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a swirl of heavy cream. Serve immediately with crusty bread and butter or a side of grilled cheese for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on the saltiness of your stock and canned tomatoes.
- Using fresh tomatoes in season will yield a brighter, fresher flavor, while canned tomatoes provide consistent taste year-round.
- The soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Garnishing with fresh basil and a swirl of cream not only adds visual appeal but enhances the soup’s flavor.
