introduction
This creamy tomato bisque soup is smooth, warm, and easy to make. It uses simple ingredients and cooks fast. If you want another simple comfort meal idea, try a savory shepherd’s pie soup recipe for a different take on cozy soups.
why make this recipe
You will make this recipe because it is quick and comforting. It uses pantry staples like canned tomatoes and broth. The soup is rich but not heavy. It works for a weeknight meal, a light lunch, or a starter for guests.
how to make Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup
Melt butter and cook onion until soft. Add garlic and cook one more minute. Stir in tomatoes, broth, salt, pepper, sugar, basil, and tomato paste. Simmer for 15–20 minutes so the flavors mix. Blend the soup until smooth. Return it to low heat and stir in heavy cream and milk. Warm for 3–5 minutes without boiling. Taste and adjust salt or pepper. If it is too thick, add more broth to reach the texture you like.
Ingredients :
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes or 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil or 3 fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
Directions :
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, salt, pepper, sugar, basil, and tomato paste. Stir well.
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches and blend until silky.
- Return the soup to the pot and reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the heavy cream and whole milk.
- Let it warm for another 3–5 minutes without boiling.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, croutons, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
how to serve Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup
Serve the soup hot. Add crusty bread or grilled cheese for dipping. Top with a drizzle of cream, fresh basil, or grated Parmesan. For a nice touch, add croutons or a pinch of paprika.
how to store Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup
Cool the soup to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. You can freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
tips to make Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup
- Use good tomatoes for best flavor: canned crushed tomatoes are easy and consistent.
- Don’t boil after adding cream. Keep heat low to avoid curdling.
- Use an immersion blender for an easy and safe blend in the pot.
- Adjust cream and milk to make the soup lighter or richer.
- Taste and add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes taste too acidic.
variation (if any)
- Roasted tomato version: Roast fresh tomatoes and garlic first for a deeper flavor.
- Add roasted red peppers for a sweeter, smoky taste.
- Make it vegan: use olive oil instead of butter and coconut cream or another plant milk instead of dairy.
- Add a spoon of pesto or fresh basil on top for a bright finish.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Yes. Use about 4 cups chopped fresh tomatoes. You may want to cook them a bit longer to break them down.
Q: Can I make this soup without cream?
A: Yes. Skip the heavy cream and use more milk or a plant-based milk for a lighter version.
Q: How do I thin the soup if it is too thick?
A: Add a little extra broth or water and warm it until you reach the desired consistency.
Q: Can I add protein to the soup?
A: Yes. Stir in cooked chicken, cooked beans, or top with crispy bacon for extra protein.
Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A smooth and creamy tomato bisque perfect for a quick comfort meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes or 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil or 3 fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, salt, pepper, sugar, basil, and tomato paste. Stir well.
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
- Return the soup to the pot and reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the heavy cream and whole milk.
- Let it warm for another 3–5 minutes without boiling.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or croutons.
Notes
For a rich flavor, use quality canned tomatoes. Avoid boiling after adding cream to prevent curdling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg