Tomato Bisque

This comforting, hearty Tomato Bisque soup recipe is full of nutrition and rich flavor. It will win over kids and adults alike, especially with a grilled cheese on the side for dipping.

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Anyone a big fan of Panera’s Creamy Tomato Soup? I may have created a recipe as good or better. That’s a bold claim, I know. It began with this recipe from Food & Wine. But, then I added a few healthy spins to it–ones that did not sacrifice taste in any way I assure you!

The result was a huge home run with my entire family and a few of our friends on New Year’s Eve. I’m talking picky little kids and foodie adults, people. There are few recipes in my repertoire that I can honestly say that about.

My kids affectionately called it “ketchup soup,” in honor of their favorite condiment. My husband and I just call it a soup worthy of a special occasion or any night. This would be a great Packed Lunch Idea for Kids.

Ingredients in This Recipe

You’ll find that this tomato bisque soup recipe packs in so many fresh, interesting flavors but all the ingredients are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:

Produce:

• 2 onions
• 2 carrots
• 2 celery ribs
• 4-6 garlic cloves

Dairy:

• Half and half
• Butter

Dry/Canned Goods:

• 2 quarts (8 cups) low-sodium chicken stock or broth (or make your own)
• 2 (28-ounce) cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 small can or tube of tomato paste

From Your Pantry:

• Whole wheat flour (sub: all purpose flour) – just 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil
• Sugar (I used unrefined raw sugar)
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper

Optional Toppings for Serving:

• Hot sauce
• Croutons
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Tomato Bisque

While this tomato soup isn’t difficult to make, it does require a few steps. The good news is you will only use one pot!

Step 1: Saute the Aromatics

Heat the oil in a large stock pot and saute the onion, carrots, and celery (known as the “aromatics”–because they make your kitchen smell AMAZING and build flavor as they cook). You’ll season during this step with garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. To thicken the soup some, add in some flour and cook for a minute or two.

Step 2: Add More Soup Ingredients and Cook the Soup

Stir in the chicken stock, tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, stirring and scrapping the bottom of the pan for any browned bits (these add flavor). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover partially. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the vegetables are very tender, stirring and scraping the bottom occasionally.

Step 3: Puree the Soup

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup in the pot until fairly smooth. (Or, you can transfer the soup in batches to a large blender. Please be careful during this step! Don’t fill the blender full. Cover the lid with a towel and hold securely while blending so the lid doesn’t pop off. Carefully, return the puree to the saucepan.)

Step 4: Finish Off the Soup

Now’s the time to make this a creamy, perfectly seasoned bisque. Stir in the butter and half and half. Taste and then season the soup with salt, pepper, and hot sauce to your preference. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with croutons and fresh shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Can You Freeze Tomato Soup?

Yes, it’s easy and works well. I’ve tested and frozen this soup probably well over 100 times. I make it at least twice a month and freeze it in 1 1/2 cup portions for my kids’ lunches. They are so spoiled, I know! But, I feel good about sending them a bowl full of vegetables. 😉

How to Freeze Tomato Soup

Simply fully cook the soup and allow it to cool completely. I usually let it sit on the stove for about an hour (you can safely leave it out for 2 hours at room temp) and then dish it out into either individual 2-cup Pyrex bowls with lids or into these Anchor Hocking Freezer Containers (I love these!). Label them and freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat From Frozen

Thaw in the refrigerator or using the defrost setting in the microwave. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

A Few Things to Know About This Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe

Here are a few things you may want to know before making this soup:

• I wrote the recipe for a crowd or for your family to have enough to freeze for later. If you want just enough for one family meal, just simply cut it in half.
• Seasoning all along the way is key to deep flavor. Season with salt and pepper when you saute the veggies, season again when you add the liquids, and finally season at the end after tasting. But, don’t get too heavy-handed at the get go!
• We also loved the kicked-up addition of the hot sauce at the end. I just left it out of the kids’ bowls.

What to Serve with Tomato Bisque Soup

Add a grilled cheese like our Gourmet Grilled Cheese or some crusty bread from a bakery alongside this soup, and you’ve got the perfect winter comfort food. Plus, you’ll have just fed your family a bowl full of vegetables!

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