There’s nothing quite like a warm, velvety bowl of creamy tomato bisque to bring comfort to your day. This rich and flavorful soup balances the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the smoothness of heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Every spoonful is packed with deep, savory flavors that make this dish an instant favorite.
This recipe is easy to follow, and the result is a restaurant-quality bisque that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Let’s dive into how to make this Perfect Creamy Tomato Bisque from scratch.
1. Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe (8 Servings)
Ingredients
- 1 cup celery, small dice
- 1 cup onions, small dice
- ¼ lb unsalted butter (8 tablespoons or 1 stick)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock if preferred)
- 56 oz whole plum tomatoes, including juice (canned, San Marzano if possible – 2 cans)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons sea salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the diced onions and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables become soft and translucent. This step builds the foundation of the soup’s flavor.
Make the Roux
Gradually stir in the flour while continuously mixing. Cook for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. The mixture should become a thick paste. This roux will help thicken the bisque, giving it that signature creamy texture.
Add the Stock and Tomatoes
Slowly pour in the vegetable stock, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the whole canned tomatoes along with their juice. Use a wooden spoon or a potato masher to break the tomatoes into smaller chunks. Stir well to combine.
Season and Simmer
Add the sugar, sea salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cover and let it cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The slow simmer allows the flavors to merge beautifully.
Blend Until Smooth
Once the soup has finished simmering, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend until silky smooth, then return to the pot.
Add the Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Once combined, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the hot bisque into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheddar or fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, creamy goodness!
2. Tips for Perfect Creamy Tomato Bisque
Use High-Quality Tomatoes
San Marzano canned tomatoes have a naturally sweet taste, making them perfect for tomato bisque. If you can’t find them, use another high-quality brand for the best results.
Balance the Acidity
Tomatoes have natural acidity, which is why adding a bit of sugar helps balance their tartness. If needed, you can also add a pinch of baking soda to neutralize acidity further.
Blend for the Smoothest Texture
For an ultra-creamy bisque, blending is key. An immersion blender makes the process easy, but a regular blender works just as well. Just be cautious when blending hot liquids—blend in small batches and vent the lid slightly.
Don’t Skip the Cheese
The addition of cheddar cheese brings a subtle richness that enhances the overall flavor. If you prefer, you can swap it for Parmesan or Gruyère for a different twist.
3. What to Eat With Creamy Tomato Bisque
One of the best things about tomato bisque is how versatile it is. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A classic grilled cheese with crispy, buttery bread and gooey melted cheese is the ultimate companion to this soup. Dipping the sandwich into the bisque makes every bite irresistible.
Garlic Bread or Croutons
Crunchy slices of garlic bread or homemade croutons add a delightful contrast to the silky texture of the bisque.
Fresh Green Salad
A light arugula or spinach salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the creamy richness of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables
For a wholesome meal, serve the bisque with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
This tomato bisque stores well, making it perfect for meal prep.
Storing:
Let the bisque cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave a bit of space in the container as the soup may expand when frozen.
Reheating:
On the stovetop: Pour the bisque into a pot and warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from separating.
In the microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
If reheating from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before warming.
This Creamy Tomato Bisque is one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. The smooth, velvety texture combined with the rich tomato flavor and creamy finish is simply irresistible. I love making a big batch, freezing portions, and enjoying a cozy bowl whenever I need a warm, satisfying meal.
If you’ve never made homemade tomato bisque before, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to impress!. Enjoy and happy cooking! 🍅🥣✨
