There’s something undeniably nostalgic about dipping a warm, golden grilled cheese sandwich into a bowl of rich, velvety tomato soup. But this Tomato Bisque with Grilled Cheese Bites takes that comfort food combo up a few notches. We're talking about a luxurious homemade tomato bisque soup made with fresh tomatoes, a touch of cream, roasted aromatics, and basil—served with crispy, bite-sized grilled cheese pieces that are perfect for dunking. It’s cozy, satisfying, and a little fancy without being fussy. If you’ve been hunting for a tomato bisque recipe that balances fresh flavor with creamy decadence, this is the one to bookmark.
Tomato Bisque with Grilled Cheese Bites
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Large Pot or Dutch Oven For sautéing and simmering the bisque. A heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heat distribution.
Blender or immersion blender To achieve that signature creamy texture of a bisque soup. If you don’t have an immersion blender, a regular high-speed blender works (just be careful with the heat).
Baking Sheet or Skillet For toasting the grilled cheese bites. A skillet gives more control, but a baking sheet in the oven is great for batch cooking.
Fine mesh strainer (optional) If you want your tomato bisque soup ultra-smooth and seed-free.
Knife and Cutting Board For prepping your ingredients.
For the Tomato Bisque Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 pounds ripe fresh tomatoes Roma or vine-ripened, quartered
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for subtle heat
- 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth for extra richness
- ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free option
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves torn
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar optional, for depth
For the Grilled Cheese Bites
- 4 slices sourdough or rustic white bread
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes and Aromatics
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread quartered fresh tomatoes and chopped onions on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast for about 25 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized. This step intensifies the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and is what sets a good tomato bisque soup apart from the rest.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Add Base Flavors
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and allow it to caramelize for 1–2 minutes. This adds depth to the soup base.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Add the roasted tomatoes and onions to the pot. Pour in the broth, add dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar. Stir to combine. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Blend to Bisque Perfection
Remove the pot from heat. Add fresh basil and use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, do this in batches, venting the lid slightly to let steam escape. Optional: For an ultra-smooth finish, strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove tomato skins and seeds.
Step 5: Creamify and Season
Return the soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and balsamic vinegar. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed. You now have a lush, creamy tomato bisque soup that’s bursting with layered flavor.
Step 6: Make the Grilled Cheese Bites
While the soup simmers, assemble your grilled cheese. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place cheddar and mozzarella on the unbuttered side of two slices, then top with the remaining bread, buttered side up. Toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Let them rest for 1–2 minutes, then cut into bite-sized squares.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the hot bisque into bowls and top with a drizzle of cream or a swirl of olive oil if desired. Scatter grilled cheese bites over the top or serve them on the side for dipping. This is your creamy tomato bisque soup moment—savor it.
Pairings
This roasted tomato bisque soup with grilled cheese bites is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to make a full meal out of it, here are some thoughtful pairings:
- Salads: A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a Caesar salad provides a fresh, peppery counterpoint.
- Roasted Veggies: Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic green beans are great side dishes.
- Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a dry rosé pairs well with the acidity of the tomatoes and the richness of the cheese.
- Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread or a slice of focaccia to round out the meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, though this tomato bisque soup fresh tomatoes version has unbeatable depth, you can substitute with high-quality whole peeled canned tomatoes (San Marzano is great). Use one 28-ounce can and adjust sugar and salt to taste.
2. What's the best type of tomato to use?
For the best homemade tomato bisque soup, use ripe Roma, vine-ripened, or heirloom tomatoes. They’re meaty, less watery, and bring that rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. Tomato bisque soup easy to reheat and often tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
4. Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Yes. Substitute the butter with olive oil, use coconut milk or oat cream instead of heavy cream, and skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese for the grilled cheese bites. You'll still end up with a creamy tomato soup recipe that feels indulgent.
5. What's the difference between tomato soup and tomato bisque?
A bisque recipe traditionally includes cream and sometimes shellfish, but in modern terms, it simply means a richer, smoother, and creamier soup. So, while tomato soup can be thinner or chunkier, a tomato bisque soup is always smooth, silky, and luxurious.
