Easy Tomato Bisque Recipe

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This Easy Tomato Bisque Recipe is absolutely sinful! I’m telling you, there is nothing that will warm you faster than a bowl of this creamy tomato soup. Typically, most tomato soup recipes are one-note and plain and boring, but THIS one, oh my goodness gracious…this is anything but plain and boring. It’s fabulous. I want to bathe in it that’s how good it is. It is filled with lots of veggies, plus butter and cream for good measure, then blended to perfection! Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches or homemade crackers.

 

Table of Contents

Not Your Average Tomato Bisque

I’m not sure there is a better tomato soup I love more than this Tomato Bisque. This is a recipe that I got from my mom who got it from a lady at church. She served it one night at a church event and basically made everyone fall in love with tomato bisque. It seriously has the most delicious rich tomato flavor paired with warm herbs and seasonings. You can leave yours a little chunky or feel free to keep that blender going until it’s completely smooth.

Tomato Soup vs Tomato Bisque

Technically, soup is a very general term. It can mean broth-based, cream-based, chowders, or bisques. Bisque is a kind of soup – generally creamy, very smooth, and made with some kind of shellfish or roasted/sauteed vegetables like this one. All bisques are soups but all soups are not bisques.

Ingredients Needed

Soup season is a vibe and I’m here for it! This tomato bisque soup recipe uses simple pantry staples as well as fresh veggies. Here is what you need to make this delicious soup!

• butter– used to sauté the celery, onions and carrots. Olive oil can be used instead of butter.
• celery, onion + carrots– adds tons of flavor…let’s sneak in the veggies wherever we can!
• all-purpose flour– creates a roux when added to the sautéed veggies and butter. Helps to thicken the soup.
• diced canned tomatoes– canned, peeled whole tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes are fine as well.
• white sugar– adds a little sweetness.
• dried basil + marjoram– added herb flavoring
• chicken broth/chicken stock– bone broth or vegetable broth works too
• curry powder– a mix of cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, and black pepper. Adds warmth to the soup.
• half & half– whole milk or heavy whipping cream are good substitutions.

How to Make Tomato Bisque

Do not be fooled by the fancy name! Tomato Bisque is such an easy soup to make! For full details, see the printable recipe card down below. Here is what you can expect when making this recipe.

Step 1 : Sauté Chopped Veggies

In a large pot, melt the butter. Stir in celery, onion, and carrot and sauté over medium heat until veggies are soft, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 2 : Add Flour to Veggies + Remaining Ingredients (except Half & Half + Curry Powder)

Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir until well incorporated. Mix in the rest of the ingredients (tomatoes, sugar, basil, marjoram, and chicken broth), except the half & half and curry powder. Cover and simmer 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

Step 3 : Puree the Soup

Blend soup with an immersion blender or a regular blender until it’s as velvety smooth as you want it. But be really careful! It is HOT STUFF! Pour blended soup back into the soup pot.

Pro Tip: I really like using an immersion blender. It’s so darn convenient. If you are one who does not have an immersion blender, a high powdered blender works just as well.

Step 4 : Stir in Half & Half, Curry Powder + Serve!

Stir in half & half and curry powder. DO NOT boil once this has been added! Serve your creamy tomato bisque hot! Top with a little fresh basil, croutons and parmesan cheese (totally optional!).

Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need a lot of complicated equipment to make this creamy tomato bisque, but a few reliable tools will make the process smoother and help you get that perfect silky texture every time. Here are some essentials:

Large Soup Pot

A sturdy pot is key for cooking everything evenly. You’ll use it to sauté the vegetables, simmer the tomatoes and broth, and bring all the flavors together in one place. A heavy-bottomed pot works best to prevent burning.
👉 Find a good one here

Immersion Blender

This is one of the most helpful tools for this recipe. It allows you to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy without transferring hot liquid. It’s quick, easy, and less messy than a traditional blender.
👉 Check it out here

Sharp Knife

You’ll need these for chopping celery, onions, and carrots. A sharp knife makes prep faster and gives you evenly sized pieces so everything cooks at the same rate.
👉 See my favorite set

Measuring Cups

Accurate measurements help balance the flavors, especially for ingredients like flour, sugar, and spices. Having a reliable set keeps the recipe consistent every time you make it.
👉 Grab a set here

Tips for Success

• Cook the vegetables until soft : Take time to sauté the celery, onion, and carrots until they are fully softened. This builds a strong flavor base for the soup.
• Don’t rush the simmering step : Let the soup simmer properly so all the flavors blend together. This is what gives the bisque its rich, deep taste.
• Blend carefully for best texture : Use an immersion blender and blend until smooth or leave it slightly chunky based on your preference. Be careful since the soup is very hot.
• Add cream at the end : Always stir in the milk or half & half after blending and once cooking is done. Do not boil after adding it or the texture can change.

What to Serve with

• French Dip Sandwiches
• Banana Bread
• Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
• Tuna Salad Sandwich
• Cinnamon Donut Bread

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Tomato Bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days to keep it fresh and flavorful. When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its smooth, creamy texture, or warm it in small batches in the microwave. Since this soup contains dairy, avoid boiling during reheating as it can affect the consistency. It’s also a great make-ahead option, as the flavors deepen and taste even better the next day.

FAQ

Can I freeze tomato bisque?

Unfortunately, no. Soups with any cream or milk in them tend to separate when frozen, and changes the texture from smooth to grainy.

Is it ok to make this tomato soup ahead of time?

Yes! Like many soups, tomato bisque tastes even better the 2nd day! Reheat on the stovetop or in small batches in the microwave.

What can I add to make this bisque have a little more kick to it?

You can add a couple shakes of red pepper flakes to the soup while it’s simmering. You could also replace the regular diced tomatoes with fire-roasted canned tomatoes.

Can I use coconut milk instead of half & half?

Sure! I would substitute the same 2 cups of coconut milk in place of the half & half. Yum!

Variations

One of the things I love about soups is that I can sneak a bunch of vegetables in there without anyone knowing! In this recipe, I add onions, carrots and celery. Use what you have! Here are a couple common substitute ingredient questions I get asked.

• Vegetable Stock – If you want to make this soup completely vegetarian friendly, substitute chicken broth with vegetable stock.
• Whole Milk – You can substitute half & half with whole milk if you’re wanting a “lighter” option or happen to have whole milk on hand.
• Add More Vegetables : This soup is great for sneaking in extra veggies. Try adding roasted red peppers or a handful of spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make it Extra Creamy : For a richer bisque, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end or add a little extra butter for a more velvety texture.
• Spice it Up : Increase the curry powder slightly or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick that enhances the tomato flavor.

Here are some other soups that will knock your socks off: Chicken Noodle Soup with Homemade Noodles, Cream of Cauliflower Soup, Taco Soup Recipe & Broccoli Cheese Soup.

Love Warm, Comforting Soup? Try These Family Favorite Recipes:

• Sweet Potato Curry Soup
• Tomato Basil Soup
• Chicken Pot Pie Soup
• Hamburger Soup
• Loaded Baked Potato Soup
• Zuppa Toscana

There’s nothing better than soup on a chilly day. This Easy Tomato Bisque Recipe is comfort food to the max! The printable recipe is below! Enjoy, friends!

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.