There’s something about a pot of tomato bisque simmering away on the stovetop that feels like a slow exhale after a long day.

The Best Tomato Bisque (and the perfect comfort food!)

Around here, we’ve made this soup a dozen different ways — with Sun-Roasted Tomatoes from the garden, store-bought good Italian puree when the vines are sleeping, and sometimes even a handful of basil rescued from the first frost.

This version is the one we return to again and again. It’s simple, deeply flavorful, and creamy without being heavy. You can make it in about 30 minutes, and it tastes even better the next day — perfect for lunch on a cold, gray afternoon or to serve alongside a grilled cheese made from your favorite Sourdough Sandwich Bread!

• Ingredients
• Steps
• Tips for the perfect bisque
• Serving Ideas
• FAQs
• Printable Recipe Card

Making Tomato Bisque

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter (or tallow for a rich farmhouse touch)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (or 4 cups sun-dried/roasted garden tomatoes)
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps balance acidity)
• ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried basil (or a few fresh leaves)
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• Optional: 1–2 tablespoons grated Parmesan for depth

Steps

1. Sauté the aromatics.
   In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add tomatoes and simmer.
   Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, sugar, salt, pepper, and basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes to deepen the flavor.
3. Blend until smooth.
   Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until silky (or carefully blend in batches).
4. Add cream and finish.
   Stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese (if using). Warm gently over low heat — don’t let it boil — until creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve warm.
   Garnish with a drizzle of cream, cracked pepper, and a few fresh basil leaves. Serve with grilled cheese or a slice of sourdough bread.

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Tips for this Delicious Bisque

• Roast your tomatoes for a deeper, caramelized flavor
• Use tallow instead of butter for a rich farmhouse twist
• Double the batch and freeze portions flat in freezer bags for easy reheating
• Add a spoonful of pesto or Parmesan crisps before serving for extra flair
• Add an extra 1-2 tbsp for a deeper tomato flavor
• Reheat over the stove instead of the microwave for the best experience

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Serving Ideas

This bisque pairs beautifully with:

• Sourdough grilled cheese with sharp cheddar and caramelized onions
• A slice of garlic bread or try my homemade garlic knot recipe!
• Homemade croutons made from leftover sandwich bread

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Questions about this Creamy Bisque

Do I have to use an immersion blender to make bisque?

I love having an immersion blender on hand for recipes like my Butternut Squash, Homemade Applesauce, and our favorite Mint Shake. If you don’t have an immersion blender you can simple use any traditional blender you have on hand

What makes Tomato Bisque different from regular Tomato Soup?

A bisque is a thicker soup, made creamy with either heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk. Classic tomato soup recipes typically only include tomatoes, broth, and seasonings.

What vegetables should I add to my Tomato Bisque?

You’ll notice that my recipe is simple and leaves out other additions you may be familiar with, like carrots and celery. While our family prefers a strong tomato flavor, these added veggies help to balance acidity and add a unique depth of flavor. I play around with veggies when it comes to my 5-step Gazapcho 🙂

Printable Recipe Card

Pin for later!

Now go and enjoy!

When the days grow short and the air takes on that unmistakable chill, a bowl of creamy tomato bisque brings warmth back to the kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t require much — just a few good ingredients and a quiet half hour at the stove. Simple, nourishing, and best of all, shared with the ones you love. Use #heartysolrecipes to share your delicious bisque creations!

More Hearty Soup Recipes

Cozy Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Squash and Sausage Soup

Delicious and Beneficial Minestrone