If you’re dreaming of a soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then you absolutely must try this Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe. It’s a velvety, rich blend of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, enriched with luscious cream that perfectly balances its tangy sweetness. This soup is not only simple to make but packed with vibrant flavors that feel indulgent without being complicated. Whether you’re craving a soothing lunch or an inviting starter for dinner, this bisque hits all the right notes and is sure to become one of your go-to comfort foods.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are—each one plays an essential role in creating that perfect harmony of flavors and that dreamy, creamy texture. From the brightness of the ripe tomatoes to the aromatic touch of fresh basil, every item contributes something special.
- 4 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped: Choose tomatoes that are fresh and juicy for maximum flavor and vibrant color.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings warmth and a subtle zing to round out the flavors.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: Creates the perfect savory foundation and keeps the soup light yet flavorful.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Responsible for that silky, creamy texture that makes this bisque irresistible.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped: Provides an herbal freshness that brightens every spoonful.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing and infusing the soup with a gentle richness.
- 1 tsp sugar: Balances the acidity from the tomatoes for a smoother taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate and harmonize all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by hulling and chopping those luscious ripe tomatoes, then dice up the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Prepping everything ahead keeps the cooking process smooth and helps layer those beautiful flavors right from the beginning.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Warm your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns translucent and soft, creating a sweet and fragrant base. This step is key for developing the soup’s rich undertones.
Step 3: Cook Tomatoes and Garlic
Next, stir in your chopped tomatoes and minced garlic. Let them cook together for about five minutes until the tomatoes soften up, releasing their juices and mingling with the garlic’s warm bite. This is where the soup starts to really come alive.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Basil
Add the vegetable broth and chopped basil leaves to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes. This simmering infuses the broth with all the goodness of the tomatoes and herbs, deepening the soup’s flavor beautifully.
Step 5: Puree to Perfection
Grab your immersion blender and carefully puree the soup right in the pot until it’s flawlessly smooth and silky. This step transforms the texture, making the bisque luxuriously creamy and easy to enjoy.
Step 6: Add Cream and Season
Finally, stir in the heavy cream to enrich the bisque with a velvety finish. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar, tasting as you go to get the balance just right. The sugar helps mellow any sharp acidity, rounding out the whole experience.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish takes your Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe to a new level of deliciousness. Consider a swirl of extra cream, a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil, or even a few crunchy croutons for an exciting contrast in texture that will delight your senses.
Side Dishes
This tomato bisque pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. A classic grilled cheese sandwich is a comforting companion, but you could also serve it with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread. These sides perfectly complement the bisque’s creamy, tangy profile.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on serving, try ladling the bisque into hollowed-out mini bread bowls or elegant cups for a party appetizer. You can also drizzle a touch of pesto or a dash of smoked paprika on top to add flavor bursts and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra bisque (and that’s likely, because it’s that good), allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, ready to warm you up whenever you need.
Freezing
This Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a bit thick after chilling or freezing, add a splash of broth or cream to revive its lovely creamy consistency. Avoid boiling to keep that silky smoothness intact.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh for this bisque?
Absolutely! High-quality canned tomatoes can work wonderfully when fresh ones aren’t in season. Just opt for whole peeled tomatoes for the best texture and flavor, and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian, thanks to the vegetable broth and cream. For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative to maintain that creamy texture without dairy.
Can I add other herbs or spices to the soup?
Definitely! While basil is classic here, feel free to experiment with thyme, oregano, or even a pinch of smoked paprika to give the bisque an extra depth of flavor tailored to your taste.
What’s the best way to achieve a silky smooth texture?
Using an immersion blender works great, but if you want an ultra-smooth bisque, you can pass the pureed soup through a fine-mesh sieve before stirring in the cream. This step ensures a velvet-like finish every time.
Can I make this soup in advance for a dinner party?
Yes! This bisque actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Prepare it a day ahead, store it chilled, and gently reheat before serving your guests for a stress-free and impressive presentation.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe enough if you’re looking for a comforting, luscious dish that never fails to satisfy. It’s quick, easy, and utterly delicious, making it a perfect choice for any day you want a little extra warmth and love in your meal. So grab your ingredients, start simmering, and prepare to fall in love with soup all over again!
Print
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: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup is a luscious and comforting dish made with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a velvety blend of heavy cream. Perfect for warming up on a chilly day, this soup combines the sweetness of tomatoes with aromatic garlic and onion, finished with a smooth, creamy texture.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 4 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Liquids and Fats
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Hull and chop the ripe tomatoes, dice the onion, and mince the garlic cloves. These fresh ingredients form the base of your soup.
- Sauté onions: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they are translucent and soft, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This step builds a flavorful foundation for the soup.
- Cook tomatoes and garlic: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and minced garlic into the pot. Cook them together until softened, about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld nicely.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20 minutes. This simmering step helps intensify the tomato flavor and reduces any raw taste.
- Puree the soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until it is silky smooth. This ensures a creamy, velvety texture without any chunks.
- Add cream and seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream for richness. Adjust the seasoning by adding salt, pepper, and sugar as needed to balance the acidity and enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. Heat through gently without boiling.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor, but canned whole tomatoes can be a convenient substitute.
- The immersion blender makes pureeing easy and mess-free; if you don’t have one, transfer the soup in batches to a blender.
- Adjust the heaviness of the cream to your preference, or substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch when serving.
- This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
