Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day? I don’t think so! And this creamy tomato bisque recipe from scratch? It’s total comfort food. I remember when I was little, my mom would make tomato soup with grilled cheese, and it was the BEST. This recipe takes that cozy feeling and kicks it up a notch.
What I love most is that you don’t need a million fancy ingredients. Seriously, just simple stuff you probably already have. But trust me, the flavor is totally restaurant-worthy. And the best part? You can whip up this creamy tomato bisque recipe from scratch in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe from Scratch
Quick and Easy Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe from Scratch
Seriously, who has time for complicated recipes? I know I don’t! This creamy tomato bisque recipe from scratch is ready in under an hour. Prep is a breeze, and the simmering does most of the work!
Flavorful Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe from Scratch
Oh my goodness, the flavor! It’s so rich and tomato-y (is that a word?). And that creamy texture? Forget about it! You’ll be craving this creamy tomato bisque recipe from scratch all the time.
Simple Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe from Scratch
No need to hunt down weird ingredients for this recipe. I promise! This creamy tomato bisque recipe from scratch uses stuff you probably already have in your pantry. Easy peasy!
Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe from Scratch
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing too crazy here, promise. But listen, the *quality* of your ingredients *does* matter, so grab the good stuff! Here’s what you’ll need for this dreamy creamy tomato bisque recipe from scratch:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (the good stuff!)
- 1 large yellow onion, ¼-inch diced (get that chopping board ready!)
- 2 medium carrots, scrubbed and ¼-inch diced (no need to peel ’em, just scrub ’em good!)
- 3 cloves minced garlic (about 1 tablespoon) (I *love* garlic, so I sometimes add a little extra, shhh!)
- 3 to 4 cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth (I usually use chicken broth for extra flavor, but veggie broth works great too!)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (don’t skimp on the tomatoes!)
- ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (if packed in oil, drain and pat dry) (these add a *serious* flavor punch!)
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin (trust me on this one, it’s amazing!)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (just a pinch to balance the acidity)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (seasoning is KEY, people!)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (freshly ground is always best, if you have it!)
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) (for a little kick! I usually add it!)
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme (fresh herbs are the best, but dried works in a pinch!)
- ½ cup half-and-half or heavy cream (this is what makes it *creamy*!)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional for serving) (for a pretty garnish and extra flavor!)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe from Scratch
Alright, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, this creamy tomato bisque recipe from scratch is super easy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be slurping up deliciousness in no time!
Sautéing the Vegetables for the Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe from Scratch
First, grab your Dutch oven or a big pot. Heat up that olive oil over medium heat. Then, toss in your diced onion and carrots. You’ll want to cook them until the onion is nice and tender, about 6 minutes or so. Don’t rush it!
Next, add your minced garlic and cook for just about 30 seconds, until you can really smell that garlicky goodness. Mmm!
Simmering for the Perfect Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe from Scratch
Okay, now pour in 3 cups of your broth (chicken or veggie, your call!), the crushed tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, cumin, salt, pepper, and that cayenne pepper if you’re feeling spicy! Don’t forget the sugar and thyme, too!
Bring the whole thing to a boil, then turn the heat down to low so it’s just simmering. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring now and then, until the soup has reduced a bit and the carrots are super tender. Before you blend, take out those thyme sprigs. Nobody wants to eat those!
Blending the Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe from Scratch
Time to make it creamy! If you have an immersion blender, just stick it right into the pot and blend away until it’s smooth as silk. If not, carefully pour the soup into a regular blender in batches. Be careful, hot soup splatters! You might need to add a little more broth to get it to the perfect consistency. I like mine pretty thick!
Finishing the Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe from Scratch
Almost there! Stir in the half-and-half (or heavy cream if you’re feeling extra decadent). Now, taste the soup and add any extra salt or pepper if it needs it. Everyone’s taste is different, so make it your own!
Serve it up hot with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top. You did it! Enjoy your amazing creamy tomato bisque recipe from scratch!
Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe from Scratch
Want to make this creamy tomato bisque recipe from scratch *perfect* every time? I’ve got you covered! First off, taste, taste, TASTE! Seriously, seasoning is everything. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra salt, pepper, or even a pinch of sugar to get it just right. Also, adjust the broth to get the consistency *you* love. Too thick? Add more broth! Too thin? Simmer it a bit longer! And finally, fresh herbs make a HUGE difference, so don’t skip ’em if you can help it!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe from Scratch
Okay, so sometimes you’re missing an ingredient, right? No worries! For the half-and-half, you can totally use heavy cream for extra richness, or even milk if you’re trying to lighten it up. Sun-dried tomatoes add a real punch, but if you don’t have ’em, just skip ’em! It’ll still be delish. And hey, dried herbs are fine if you don’t have fresh, just use about half the amount. Easy peasy!
Serving Suggestions for Your Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe from Scratch
Okay, so you’ve made this amazing creamy tomato bisque recipe from scratch… now what? Well, trust me, it’s pretty darn good all on its own! But if you wanna make it a meal, my absolute *favorite* thing to serve with it is a grilled cheese sandwich. Oh. My. Goodness. Crusty bread for dipping is awesome, too! Or, if you’re feeling healthy, a simple side salad works great!
How to Store and Reheat Your Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe from Scratch
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This creamy tomato bisque recipe from scratch is even better the next day! Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Or, if you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw it out in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently on the stovetop. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe from Scratch
Can I make this creamy tomato bisque recipe from scratch vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. And instead of half-and-half, try using coconut cream or cashew cream to keep it super creamy. You won’t even miss the dairy, I promise!
Can I freeze this creamy tomato bisque recipe from scratch?
Yep, you sure can! Just let the soup cool down completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave a little room at the top, since liquids expand when they freeze. It’ll keep in the freezer for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove.
How do I make this creamy tomato bisque recipe from scratch thicker?
Good question! If your soup isn’t as thick as you’d like, you’ve got a few options. You can simmer it for a bit longer to let some of the liquid evaporate. Or, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the soup while it’s simmering. That’ll thicken it right up!
Nutritional Information for Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe from Scratch
Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutrition! I’m including some estimates here, but keep in mind: it totally depends on what brands you use and how big your servings are! So, take this with a grain of salt (haha, soup pun!). I’m not a nutritionist, just a home cook!
Enjoy Your Homemade Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe from Scratch!
Yay, you did it! I hope you LOVE this creamy tomato bisque recipe from scratch as much as I do! If you try it, please leave a comment and rate the recipe! And hey, share your creations on social media, too! I’d love to see ’em!
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Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe: 30 Minute Bliss
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make creamy tomato bisque from scratch. This recipe uses simple ingredients for a flavorful soup.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, ¼-inch diced
- 2 medium carrots, scrubbed and ¼-inch diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic (about 1 tablespoon)
- 3 to 4 cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (if packed in oil, drain and pat dry)
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional for serving)
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the oil over medium. Add the onion and carrots and cook until the onion is tender, about 6 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add 3 cups of the broth, crushed tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Stir in the sugar and thyme.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes, until the soup has reduced and the carrots are tender. Remove the thyme.
- With an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth, adding more broth as needed. You can also use a regular blender in batches.
- Stir in the half and half. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve hot with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Adjust broth to reach desired consistency.
- Use fresh herbs for serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
