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–+ servings
tomato soup in a white bowl with parsley.
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5 from 2 votes

Creamy Tomato Bisque

Easy creamy tomato bisque with roasted tomatoes, fresh basil and heavy whipping cream is a delicious homemade and filling soup. Perfectly easy to make with ripe red fresh tomatoes, this soup combines the flavors of garlic, onion, herbs, seasonings, and heavy whipping cream for a full on tomato bisque that goes amazing with croutons or a side of golden brown grilled cheese. An absolutely awesome recipe for weeknights, this smooth soup is restaurant worthy of the most perfect pre-meal appetizer. For a real treat, use your own garden tomatoes!
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time45 mins
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10 cups
Calories: 96kcal
Author: Trisha Haas - Salty Side Dish

Ingredients

  • 4 large tomatoes quartered
  • half of an onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic cut in half
  • 1 red pepper sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil
  • olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 small can 6 oz, tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dry oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dry basil
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • shredded cheese optional for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400. 
  • Quarter 4 large tomatoes and place in casserole dish.
  • Chop half and onion and place into dish with tomatoes.
  • Slice 1 red pepper and place in casserole dish.
  • Drizzle with oil and mix to coat.
  • Generously season with salt and pepper.
  • Top with fresh basil leaves.
  • Roast vegetables for 20 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and cool slightly.
  • Place into a blender (it may be necessary to blend half of the tomato mixture at a time) and blend until smooth.
  • Pour into a stock soup pot. 
  • Add chicken broth, tomato paste, sugar, dried oregano, dried basil and continue to heat over medium high heat, stirring soup frequently until boiling.
  • Reduce heat to simmer and cover for additional 10 minutes.
  • Remove lid and remove entire pot from heat.
  • Gently stir in whipping cream.
  • Pour finished soup into bowls.
  • Season with salt and pepper before serving and optionally top with pepper flakes.
  • OPTIONAL:  Top bowls with cheese, bite-sized pieces of homemade croutons, and fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Should I peel the tomatoes?
I leave my tomatoes whole and don’t peel them.  Tomato skins are really healthy, and since I’m blending it all down at the end I don’t really notice the skins. Plus, peeling tomatoes is not exactly a simple process.
Is it a Soup or bisque?
Okay, okay, I guess you got me.  Technically, tomato soup doesn’t contain any cream, whereas tomato bisque does.
What to eat with a bowl of Tomato Bisque?
We recommend homemade croutons and a side of grilled cheese.
How to store Bisque
Tomato Bisque is one of my favorite recipes to batch up a LOT of, so knowing how to keep it tasting fresh is key.  Store soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days, or in the freezer for 3 months.  Make sure you take out any basil garnish before storing.  Reheat soup slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often.
How can I make soup smoother?
If you want it a little smoother, I’d use an immersion blender, or use that if you don’t have an actual blender.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 96kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 354mg | Potassium: 122mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 745IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg