The first time I tasted a delicious tomato bisque soup was at the Boathouse restaurant in Central Park, back in 2001. I was so impressed that I asked the server for the ingredient list, and the chef kindly obliged. Since then, I’ve created my own version of this recipe, and it has become a favorite among my friends and family.
One of the things I love about a good tomato bisque soup recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy it warm during the winter months or cool in the summer, making it a year-round recipe. Not many soups can pull off this dual role, but this one certainly does. Let’s take a look into how you can make this comforting and flavorful soup right in your own kitchen.
This recipe is:
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- Low Carb
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- Keto
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- Gluten Free
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- Vegetarian
Table of Contents
8 Reasons To Love This Recipe
There are so many great reasons to whip up this tomato bisque soup recipe. Here are a few reasons to try my favorite soup recipe:
- Can be served hot or cold and is delicious either way!
- Easy to make!
- Stores really well and can be frozen!
- Perfect for meal planning!
- Pairs great with salads for lunch!
- Turn it into a hearty dinner by adding cooked shrimp or chicken!
- Perfectly low carb with less than 4g net carbs per serving!
- The entire family will love this recipe!
Is Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe Low Carb?
Yes, homemade tomato soup is low carb. This recipe has less than 4 g net carbs per serving, which is amazing considering the amount of flavor it's packed with.
What Is Tomato Bisque Soup?
Tomato bisque soup is a delightful variation of creamy tomato soup that stands out with its rich tomato flavors and smooth, velvety texture. Made with fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes, or fire roasted tomatoes, this soup gets its signature creaminess from heavy whipping cream, which blends seamlessly with vegetable broth for a comforting base.
Fresh basil often adds a burst of aromatic flavor, making this delicious soup a family favorite. It's the perfect comfort food whether you're serving it hot on a chilly day or cold during warmer months. A traditional blender can achieve that silky, pureed consistency, creating a bowl of tomato bisque that's both satisfying and delicious.
Tomato Bisque Soup Ingredient List
Below is the list of ingredients you'll need to make tomato soup recipe:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can tomatoes, peeled (28 ounces)
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, chopped (approx 1 cup)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
Sometimes, you might not have all the ingredients or want to try something different. Here are some tasty alternatives you can use for this creamy tomato bisque soup recipe:
- Vegetable stock: You can easily use chicken stock, beef, or even bone broth. They all add depth of flavor.
- Heavy cream: To keep the tomato bisque creamy and delicious, I don’t recommend changing this ingredient. However, you can make this a vegan-friendly recipe by using coconut cream. The flavor will be different. You can also use full-fat Greek yogurt, but it adds a tang that the heavy cream does not.
- Onion: For this recipe, I used a yellow onion. You can use white, Spanish, or even a red onion. If you don’t like onions, try ½ to ⅔ cup of shallots. They have a more concentrated flavor, so less is more in this case.
- Parmesan cheese: This helps to thicken the blended soup, so you could try Pecorino Romano or even shredded Asiago.
- Olive oil: Use avocado oil or clarified butter to sauté the vegetables.
- Garlic: If you don’t like the flavor of raw garlic, you can use 4 cloves of roasted garlic with no problems at all.
- Dried oregano: Substitute with an equal amount of dried thyme.
- Dried basil: Use the same amount of dried parsley.
Cooking Tools Required
Below is the list of cooking tools you'll need to make easy tomato bisque soup:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large Sauté or soup pan
- Silicone spatula
- Immersion blender or blender
- Microplane
How To Make Tomato Bisque Soup: Complete Cooking Guide
Making this homemade tomato bisque recipe is truly simple and straightforward. Let’s walk through it together in these simple steps.
Cooking Method
- Sauteeing
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the ingredients and ensure everything is measured and chopped before starting the recipe.
Cooking Steps
- Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan or pot over medium heat. The pan or pot should be large enough to hold all the ingredients and use the immersion blender without spilling.
- When the oil starts to shimmer, add the onion, garlic, and salt. Stir for about 5 minutes or until the onion starts to turn translucent.
- Add the remaining ingredients, with the exception of the Parmesan cheese and the heavy cream.
- Bring the soup to a boil and break up the tomatoes with the spatula as it is heating. It does not need to come to a rolling boil, just until the bubbles rise to the top.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Turn the heat down to low. Place the immersion blender into the pot and blend until all the ingredients are puréed and smooth.
- Add in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix well with the spatula. Simmer for 5-10 more minutes.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Either serve hot or allow to cool to room temperature.
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add the canned tomatoes to the sautéed onions in the pot. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Sprinkle dried oregano over the tomato and onion mixture in the pot. Stir to distribute the seasoning.
Step 4: Add dried basil to the mixture, stirring it in evenly with the other ingredients.
Step 5: Pour in the vegetable stock, stirring well to combine all the ingredients in the pot.
Step 6: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 7: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to incorporate it into the soup.
Step 8: Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
Step 9: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the blended soup, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
💡 My Pro Tip
This tomato bisque recipe is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, whether you enjoy it hot or cold. Here's how I like to handle this recipe to get the most out of it:
- First, I prepare the bisque according to the recipe instructions. Instead of serving it right away, I let the soup cool on the stove until it reaches room temperature. It's important not to put hot soup directly into the refrigerator since it can raise the temperature inside and cause other ingredients to spoil.
- Once the soup has cooled, I transfer it to a pitcher or a bowl covered with plastic wrap. Then, I let it chill in the refrigerator for anywhere from 6 to 24 hours. During this time, the flavors really come together.
- When I'm ready to serve, I taste the soup quickly to check the seasonings. If it's too spicy, I’ll add a bit more cream. If it needs more salt or pepper, now’s the time to adjust.
- Finally, I either serve the soup cold with a drizzle of olive oil and some fresh herbs or gently reheat it on the stove over low heat. No matter how you serve it, giving the soup some time to sit and let the flavors meld is always worth it.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
Here are some great time-saving tips to help you whip up this tomato bisque soup quickly and efficiently:
- Buy peeled and crushed or diced tomatoes: Instead of using whole tomatoes, opt for peeled and crushed or diced varieties. I like using whole tomatoes because I can buy them in bulk for various recipes, but since we're puréeing this soup, it doesn’t make a difference whether the tomatoes are whole or not. Using pre-crushed or diced tomatoes saves time since you won’t have to break them up while cooking.
- Use jarred minced garlic: I know this tip might not be for everyone, but using jarred minced garlic can save you a lot of time. While the flavor isn't exactly the same as fresh garlic, it works just fine in this recipe. Plus, it saves you the time and hassle of peeling, chopping, and cleaning up after using fresh garlic.
- Make the soup a day ahead: As mentioned in my Pro Tips section, making the bisque ahead of time has several advantages. Not only does it allow the flavors to meld together beautifully, but it also saves time when you’re ready to serve. All you have to do is either pour the cold tomato bisque into bowls or gently reheat it on the stove if you want to serve it hot.
What To Serve With Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe
I love how versatile this tomato bisque soup recipe is. Whether you're serving it as a cozy meal on a chilly evening or a refreshing dish on a warm day, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your dining experience. You can pair it with a cheese sandwich or soup sticks or with a refreshing salad. Here are some tasty options:
- Cheesy Breadsticks: Perfect for dipping into the creamy bisque, these cheesy breadsticks add a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor.
- Frisee Salad: Light and refreshing, a frisee salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich and creamy soup perfectly.
- Chicken Caesar Salad: A classic pairing, the hearty chicken Caesar salad adds protein and a savory bite that pairs well with the smooth bisque.
- Arugula Mushroom Salad: The peppery arugula and earthy mushrooms in this salad offer a delightful contrast to the creamy soup.
- Zucchini Fries: Crispy and delicious, zucchini fries are a fun and healthy alternative to traditional fries and make a great side for this tomato bisque.
Storage, Freezing, And Reheating Instructions
Storage Tips
- Once the soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or a pitcher covered with plastic wrap.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days.
- If serving cold, stir the soup before serving, then taste and adjust the seasonings.
- If serving hot, follow the reheating instructions below.
Reheating Tips
- Since this soup contains cream and cheese, it needs to be reheated gently.
- My preferred method is to place the soup in a pot over low heat. Use a flat-bottomed spatula to ensure nothing burns on the bottom, and stir frequently until the soup is warmed through.
- You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the bisque in a covered, microwave-safe container and heat on medium until warmed.
Freezing Tips
- This soup freezes well. My preferred method is to place the cooled soup in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Lay it flat on a small baking sheet and freeze.
- Once frozen, remove the baking sheet and store the bisque in the freezer for up to six months.
- To use, allow the bisque to defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then heat according to the instructions above.
Recipe Conclusion
I think it's rare to find a soup that's enjoyable all year round. This best Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe works beautifully no matter the season, which makes it truly special. Plus, the flavors are just amazing!
Living in the south of France, summers can get very hot. I love sitting outside under the shade of a tree with a cold bowl of this bisque—it's a wonderful experience. But the best part is when the days turn chilly, and I find a bag of this bisque in the freezer, ready to warm me up. Super versatile and delightful to eat, it's a truly remarkable recipe.
Please share any questions or suggestions in the comments, or find me on Facebook or Instagram!
Other Soups To Try
Looking for more hearty soup recipes
FAQs
A tomato bisque always has a cream element, unlike a tomato soup. The tomato bisque is typically thicker with a more complex flavor profile than a tomato soup due to additional ingredients and the addition of cheese.
A bisque is a soup typically made with crustaceous seafood like lobster or crab but also with vegetables like tomato. Bisques are known for their velvety and creamy texture, which is achieved by adding cream, butter, and, potentially, cheese. They also have a rich flavor, which is created through the use of sautéed vegetables and quality stocks.
A tomato soup becomes a bisque when heavy cream, sautéed vegetables, and additional vegetable broth are added and puréed.
Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can tomatoes peeled (28 ounces)
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion chopped (approx 1 cup)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the ingredients and ensure everything is measured and chopped before starting the recipe.
Cooking Steps
- Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan or pot over medium heat. The pan or pot should be large enough to hold all the ingredients and use the immersion blender without spilling.
- When the oil starts to shimmer, add the onion, garlic, and salt. Stir for about 5 minutes or until the onion starts to turn translucent.
- Add the remaining ingredients, with the exception of the Parmesan cheese and the heavy cream.
- Bring the soup to a boil and break up the tomatoes with the spatula as it is heating. It does not need to come to a rolling boil, just until the bubbles rise to the top.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Turn the heat down to low. Place the immersion blender into the pot and blend until all the ingredients are puréed and smooth.
- Add in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix well with the spatula. Simmer for 5-10 more minutes.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Either serve hot or allow to cool to room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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Linda C says
I have fresh tomatoes from the garden, how do I convert from canned?