If you are craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a luscious, beautifully smooth soup bursting with vibrant flavors from fresh basil and sweet tomatoes, balanced perfectly with a gentle creaminess that makes every spoonful pure bliss. Whether you’re looking for an elegant starter or a cozy meal, this bisque combines simplicity and sophistication effortlessly, bringing a touch of homemade magic to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque Recipe plays a star role, bringing color, flavor, and richness to the pot. The fresh vegetables create a natural sweetness and depth, while the herbs and seasonings elevate the soup with aromatic warmth. Each component is simple yet essential to crafting this silky, comforting bisque.
- 2 Tbsp. oil (avocado or olive): Provides a healthy base for sautéing that adds subtle fruitiness.
- 1 cup sweet onion (finely diced): Builds natural sweetness and a tender texture.
- 2 carrots (peeled and diced): Enhance sweetness and add lovely color and nutrients.
- 2 ribs celery (finely diced): Adds fresh, aromatic depth with each spoonful.
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced): Infuses the soup with a fragrant, savory punch.
- 28 oz. can peeled whole tomatoes (with juice): The heart of the bisque, offering rich tomato flavor and vibrant red color.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Creates a flavorful, savory liquid base that ties everything together.
- 2 tsp. sugar (optional): Balances acidity and enhances tomato sweetness if needed.
- 1 tsp. oregano (dried): Adds a subtle earthy, herbal note.
- 1 tsp. salt (to taste): Heightens all the flavors for a well-rounded taste.
- ¼ tsp. black pepper (to taste): Offers gentle heat and complexity.
- ¼-½ tsp. red pepper flakes (optional): For anyone craving a hint of spice.
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream): Brings the signature creamy texture and richness.
- 3 Tbsp. cornstarch: Helps thicken the bisque for a luscious consistency.
- ½ cup fresh basil (finely chopped): Provides a bright, fresh herbal finish that defines this bisque.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating your oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced onions, carrots, and celery. Let them gently cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds, allowing its irresistible aroma to fill your kitchen without burning.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes with their juice, plus the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the optional sugar, oregano, salt, black pepper, and if you like a tiny punch of heat, red pepper flakes. Bring everything to a lively boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, giving all those flavors time to mingle and deepen beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry
While the soup simmers, warm your milk (or heavy cream) just until cozy in the microwave. Whisk in the cornstarch until you have a smooth slurry without any lumps. This little mixture is the secret to that silky, perfectly thick texture that makes this bisque so indulgent.
Step 4: Blend and Incorporate Basil
Once your soup has simmered and the veggies are tender, stir in the cornstarch slurry along with the freshly chopped basil. Use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree everything until incredibly smooth. Don’t have an immersion blender? No worries — carefully transfer the soup to a high-speed blender or process in batches until velvety.
Step 5: Final Simmer
Return the blended soup to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 more minutes. This step lets the bisque thicken up gradually and lets the basil’s brightness infuse every creamy drop. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t stick or boil too hard.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your warm Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque Recipe into bowls. For an elegant touch, drizzle a little extra milk or cream on top and scatter some fresh basil leaves. Get ready for a comforting treat that feels homemade and heartwarming in every spoonful.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or a swirl of cream takes the bisque to the next level, visually and flavor-wise. For added texture, crispy croutons or a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese make gorgeous garnishes that add a delightful crunch or savory finish.
Side Dishes
This bisque pairs perfectly with warm, crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every last bit of goodness. A crisp green salad or a grilled cheese sandwich can also round out the meal, making it a comforting and complete dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this bisque in charming mugs for a cozy lunch or in elegant soup bowls when entertaining. For a fun twist, turn the bisque into a pasta sauce, toss with cooked noodles, and sprinkle with basil and Parmesan for a luxurious pasta dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After you’ve enjoyed your bisque, cool any leftovers to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, allowing you to indulge again without any fuss.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque Recipe even longer, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months, perfect for those days you want comfort food fast.
Reheating
Gently reheat the bisque on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. To restore the creamy texture, add a splash of milk or cream if it thickens too much. Avoid boiling to keep the flavors bright and the texture smooth.
FAQs
Can I make this bisque vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep all the delicious flavor while making your Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque Recipe vegetarian-friendly.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent. Just adjust the quantity slightly and whisk it into the milk before adding to the soup.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Fresh ripe tomatoes can work beautifully. You’ll want about 3 pounds, peeled and chopped, to replace the canned tomatoes. Just remember that cooking times might be a bit longer to fully soften the tomatoes.
How spicy is the bisque with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, not overwhelming heat. You can always adjust the amount or leave them out completely depending on your spice preference.
Is it possible to make this bisque gluten-free?
Yes! This Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and cornstarch, which is typically gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque Recipe is truly one of those kitchen treasures that feels special every time. Its wonderful blend of fresh ingredients and creamy texture makes it a comforting classic you’ll want to return to again and again. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be hooked—so grab your ingredients, get cooking, and treat yourself to this cozy, flavorful delight!
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Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This creamy tomato basil bisque is a comforting and flavorful soup featuring sautéed vegetables, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a smooth, velvety texture achieved with a cornstarch slurry and blending. Perfect as a cozy lunch or light dinner, it combines classic ingredients with a touch of heat from optional red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 Tbsp. oil (avocado or olive)
- 1 cup sweet onion (finely diced)
- 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
- 2 ribs celery (finely diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
Main Ingredients
- 28 oz. can peeled whole tomatoes (with juice)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp. sugar (optional)
- 1 tsp. oregano (dried)
- 1 tsp. salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp. black pepper (to taste)
- ¼–½ tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
For Thickening and Finishing
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream)
- 3 Tbsp. cornstarch
- ½ cup fresh basil (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add oil, onions, carrots, and celery to a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften. Then add minced garlic and continue sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the peeled whole tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, sugar (if using), dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes to develop flavor.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: Warm the milk or heavy cream in the microwave until warm but not boiling. Whisk in the cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Blend the Soup: Once the soup has simmered, pour in the cornstarch slurry and add the chopped fresh basil. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until completely smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a high-speed blender or food processor to puree until smooth.
- Simmer to Thicken: Return the blended soup to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy tomato basil bisque into bowls, drizzle with a little extra milk or heavy cream if desired, sprinkle with additional fresh basil, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based milk.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder soup.
- Use fresh tomatoes in season for a lighter flavor variation.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Ensure to stir continuously when adding the cornstarch slurry to avoid lumps.
