Velvety Tomato Bisque with Heavy Cream: A Rich Take on a Comfort Classic

Written by Sarah Gardner

If there were an award for the coziest cold-weather meal, tomato bisque soup would be a top contender. This tomato bisque with heavy cream is luxurious, smooth, and deeply satisfying—perfect for when you're craving something a little richer than your average tomato soup. Made with oven-roasted tomatoes, caramelized aromatics, and a generous splash of cream, it delivers that creamy-meets-tangy balance that makes it one of the best tomato soup recipes you’ll want on repeat, especially during the chillier months.

Velvety Tomato Bisque with Heavy Cream

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American, French
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Baking sheet essential for roasting the tomatoes and garlic. You can also use a large oven-safe pan.
  • Blender or immersion blender for achieving that perfectly smooth, bisque-like texture.
  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven to bring everything together after blending.
  • Chef’s knife and cutting board for prepping your veggies.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ pounds fresh ripe tomatoes Roma or plum tomatoes are best for roasting
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic peeled
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste for deeper flavor
  • 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sugar to balance acidity
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional, adds depth
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves plus extra for garnish

Instructions
 

Roast your vegetables

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread the halved tomatoes, garlic cloves, and chopped onion on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and beginning to caramelize.

Blend

  1. Transfer the roasted tomato mixture to a blender with the basil and broth. Blend until completely smooth.

Simmer

  1. Pour the blended mixture into a pot over medium heat. Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika (if using), sugar, and cream. Simmer for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Adjust and serve

  1. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, topped with extra basil, a swirl of cream, or crispy croutons.

Pairings

This tomato bisque begs for a golden, crispy grilled cheese sandwich—especially one made with sharp cheddar or melty gouda. If you’re going lighter, a crusty baguette and a side of balsamic-dressed arugula salad balance the richness of the soup. And if you’re sipping, a glass of dry rosé or light pinot noir complements the tomato’s natural acidity beautifully.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, though using fresh tomatoes gives the soup a brighter, more vibrant flavor. If using canned, go for whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes and roast them along with the onion and garlic to mimic that fresh-roasted flavor found in a good roasted tomato soup recipe.

2. Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Let it cool fully, then store in an airtight container. Just reheat gently—avoid boiling, as that can make the cream separate.

3. Is tomato bisque healthy?

While the addition of cream makes it more indulgent than other healthy soup recipes, it’s still packed with nutrients from tomatoes and fresh basil. For a lighter version, you can reduce the cream or substitute with coconut milk or Greek yogurt.

4. Can I make this in a crockpot?

You can! Roast your tomatoes first, then toss them into the crockpot with the broth, basil, and seasonings. Let it cook on low for 4–6 hours. Blend just before serving and stir in the cream.

5. What's the difference between bisque and regular tomato soup?

Bisque is smoother, creamier, and usually a bit richer. If you’ve tried an easy homemade tomato soup and want something a little more luxurious, this tomato bisque soup is the next step up.

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