The Best Tomato Bisque Recipe
Is there a more perfect food than creamy tomato soup? My easy tomato bisque recipe is so easy and delicious, and it only takes slightly longer than opening a can. In 30 minutes, you've got homemade tomato bisque for dinner! Serve it with grilled cheese, or just a nice, simple salad.
Best of all, the ingredients you need are probably already in your fridge or pantry! For a heartier tomato soup recipe, try my tomato tortellini soup.
What Is Bisque?
Tomato bisque is like tomato soup’s fancy French cousin. Practically, I call this recipe a bisque because it is enriched with extra cream. (I have a thing for bisque!) While I do lean on heavy cream in this recipe to give the tomato bisque a really silky, luxurious texture, it's not all richness and silk! I've also included sautéed carrots and onions, as well as fresh basil for a complex flavor to balance out all the creamy goodness.
Is Tomato Bisque Healthy?
My tomato soup recipe is inspired by French cuisine, so I'll also borrow the French food philosophy of “everything in moderation." A little bit of cream is a luxury, but it is balanced by the ultra healthy power of tomatoes! They offer a multitude of health benefits, include lycopene, which is a very powerful cancer-fighting antioxidant. The health benefits of tomatoes increases when they're cooked, too, meaning it's better to get the good stuff in this soup than, say, a caprese! Plus, homemade tomato soup is always going to be a healthier choice (even with heavy cream in it) than soup from a can or carton.
What To Serve With Tomato Bisque
Creamy tomato bisque makes for a perfect, light appetizer. I love it for lunch or a light dinner, with a green salad, Niçoise salad or, in the fall and winter, a colorful squash salad.
For lunch or dinner, tomato soup's natural paring is a grilled cheese! I also like to serve it with Keto Ham and Cheese Pockets for a low carb, high-deliciousness meal. To make it fancy for company, serve it with rhubarb and chevre Grilled Cheese.
How To Make Homemade Tomato Bisque
Cook your veggies! Start with butter, carrots, and onion in a 5 quart pot and cook until translucent. You’ll start to smell the flavors meld together!
Add tomatoes, bay leaves, olive oil, salt, pepper and chicken stock. Bring it to a boil and then reduce to a simmer!
Herbs for the win! Add a few fresh basil leaves and purée the soup in a blender or using an immersion blender.
Are you ready to bisque? Return the soup to the pot and stir in the cream until smooth and velvety.
Serve with a garnish of fresh basil, and a swirl of cream. Voilà!
Tools You’ll Need
Did Someone Say Bisque?
There’s plenty of ways to bisque up a soup, and we have a few other ideas up our sleeves! Check out our 30 Best Soup Recipes for when you’re craving a warm cozy bowl or dig into these comforting dishes:
Soup’s On!
As the temperature drops outside, keep it warm inside! In no time you’ll have a delicious bowl of tomato bisque (and maybe a grilled cheese, too!) Snap a photo before you dive in and tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy Eating!
