This tomato bisque recipe is a delicious soup with lots of tomato flavor.

In this simple soup, canned crushed tomatoes are transformed into a creamy silky soup to make the perfect first course or light main dish.

This Is The BEST Tomato Bisque Because…

A bisque is characterized by its silky smooth texture and is often made with seafood (such as lobster bisque). This version packs lots of flavor and it’s easy to make.

  • The addition of cream to this easy recipe makes it luxuriously creamy.
  • Using canned crushed tomatoes gives this soup a fresh tomato flavor.
  • Rice is added to bisque to thicken it and add body; using instant rice makes it quick and easy.

Got Fresh Tomatoes?

If you’re looking for a tomato soup using fresh tomatoes, I recommend my homemade tomato soup—fresh and delicious.

whipping cream , instant tice , oregano , basil , carrot , celery , onion , garlic , oil , crushed tomatoes , and broth with labels to make Tomato Bisque

Ingredients for Tomato Bisque

Tomatoes: Choose a good quality brand of canned crushed tomatoes.

Vegetables: Sweet veggies like onions, celery, and carrots balance the acidic tomatoes and make the soup creamy. Other cooked veggies you can add are red bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or sweet potatoes.

Base: I prefer the flavor of chicken broth over vegetable broth in this recipe however, if you’d like to keep it vegetarian, you can use veggie broth. Heavy cream adds richness.

Rice: Optional, but adds body to the bisque. Feel free to omit entirely or use chopped-up pieces of leftover bread if desired.

Variations

Add mini meatballs, macaroni, shells, or ditalini pasta to the recipe once blended.

Homemade croutons, chopped fresh basil, thyme, parsley, and parmesan cheese are excellent garnishes on top of tomato bisque.

How to Make Tomato Bisque

This tomato bisque soup recipe is the perfect comfort food.

  1. Saute veggies (recipe below).
  2. Add remaining ingredients (except cream) and simmer.
  3. Blend the soup, add cream, and simmer.
  4. Season and garnish before serving.

Blending The Soup

To blend the ingredients, use an immersion blender. A regular blender can also be used, but the soup will be hot. Remember to vent the lid.

plated Tomato Bisque with basil

Storing Tomato Bisque

Leftover tomato soup can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove with a little cream if needed. Creamy tomato bisque can be frozen in zippered bags once it’s chilled. Freeze the bags flat on a baking sheet in the freezer and then store them upright to save freezer space. Thaw the bisque overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove.

Tomato Soup + Grilled Cheese = ❤️

Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese garnished with jalapenos

Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese

Did you enjoy this Tomato Bisque Recipe? Be sure to leave a comment and rating below.

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Tomato Bisque with bread pieces
4.75 from 4 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Tomato Bisque

Tomato bisque is a creamy, rich soup bursting with sweet and tangy flavors of tomatoes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 26 minutes
Total Time 36 minutes
Servings 4
Author Holly Nilsson

Equipment

a large pot with a lid
Large Pot
Immersion Blender on white background
Immersion Blender
buy hollys book

Ingredients  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 2 ribs celery finely diced
  • 1 small carrot finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • cup instant rice
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrot, and garlic and cook until tender, about 6 to 7 minutes.
  • Stir in the broth, crushed tomatoes, rice, dried basil, salt, oregano, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a low simmer. Cook uncovered until the rice and vegetables are tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Use an immersion blender or hand blender to blend the soup until smooth. Stir in the cream and simmer for 3 minutes more. Taste and season with additional salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if needed.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For a thinner soup, add additional broth. For a thicker soup, cook uncovered for longer until thickened.
To replace instant rice use ¼ cup of white rice and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes or until tender.
  • If you don’t have an immersion blender, the soup can be blended in a regular blender in batches. When using a regular blender, be sure not to seal the lid or the steam can build up causing it to burst open. Leave the lid open just enough to allow steam to escape.
This recipe makes about 8 cups of soup.
Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 4 days. 
4.75 from 4 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 221 | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 1226mg | Potassium: 744mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 3284IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish, Soup
Cuisine American
plated dish of Tomato Bisque with a title
fresh and comforting Tomato Bisque in the pot with writing
fresh Tomato Bisque in a bowl with a title
Tomato Bisque in the pot and in a bowl with a title

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. Great recipe, I used 1/3 cup evaporated milk with 1 Tbsp. cornflour in place of heavy cream to lower the fat content. Otherwise recipe as written.4 stars

  2. Great recipe but I used 10 Fresh Roma tomatoes instead of the canned tomatoes – not a fan of all the preservatives in canned food. Also, cooked in my XL Power Pro Pressure Cooker for 20 minutes, then strained – That was the only changes I made. The bisque was fantastic. Thanks for posting.5 stars