Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque (Printable)
Velvety tomato and basil bisque finished with cream and topped with crispy croutons.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables & Herbs
01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes
05 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
06 - 1 celery stalk, chopped
07 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
→ Liquids & Dairy
08 - 2 cups vegetable broth
09 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
10 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
→ Seasonings
11 - 1 teaspoon sugar
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
13 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
14 - Pinch of red pepper flakes
→ Croutons
15 - 2 cups cubed day-old bread
16 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
17 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
18 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp. Set aside.
02 - In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
03 - Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
04 - Add tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
05 - Stir in basil leaves and remove from heat. Using an immersion blender or working in batches with a blender, puree the soup until completely smooth.
06 - Return soup to low heat. Stir in heavy cream and gently warm through. Do not boil. Adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls, top with croutons and extra basil to serve.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day
- The homemade croutons elevate it from ordinary soup to something genuinely special
02 -
- Blending hot soup requires caution—always leave a vent for steam to escape
- Adding cream to boiling soup can cause it to separate, so keep the heat gentle
03 -
- Use an immersion blender right in the pot to save dishes and prevent accidents
- Warm your bowls before serving to keep the bisque hot longer