What's the difference between tomato soup and tomato bisque?

The main difference lies in the texture and richness . Tomato soup is usually thinner, made with water or broth, and may have tomato chunks. Tomato bisque, on the other hand, is pureed smooth and finished with cream or dairy , giving it a thick, velvety texture and a more indulgent flavor.

What makes tomato soup bisque?

A tomato soup becomes a bisque when it's enriched with cream or butter , blended until silky, and often made with a flavorful base of aromatics like onion and garlic. The result is a smoother, more decadent version of the classic tomato soup.

What ingredient makes a soup a bisque?

Traditionally, bisques were made with shellfish stock , but in modern recipes like tomato bisque, the defining ingredient is cream or another rich dairy (or dairy-free) element . The soup must be pureed smooth and usually includes a fat component (like butter or olive oil) to qualify as a bisque.

What is a substitute for heavy cream in tomato soup?

There are several great substitutes depending on your dietary needs: Half-and-half (lighter cream) Greek yogurt (for a tangy, protein-rich option) Coconut cream or cashew cream (dairy-free and vegan alternatives) Just be sure to stir in slowly at low heat to prevent curdling.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream in soup?

Yes! Full-fat Greek yogurt is a great substitute for heavy cream in tomato bisque. It adds creaminess and tang while cutting down on fat and calories. Add it after removing the soup from heat , and mix in gradually to avoid separation.

What cream is best for tomato soup?

For the richest flavor, heavy cream is ideal. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, half-and-half or Greek yogurt are excellent options. For vegan versions, cashew cream or unsweetened coconut cream offer similar silkiness without the dairy.

Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe – The Best Creamy Comfort Food (2025)

Name: Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe: Creamy Comfort in Every Spoon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 3 cups fresh tomatoes (or 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes); 1 cup vegetable stock; 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option); 1 teaspoon sugar (optional); 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil); Salt and pepper, to taste

Description

Indulge in the ultimate creamy comfort food with this tomato bisque soup recipe. Perfectly rich, smooth, and easy to make for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups fresh tomatoes (or 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes)
1 cup vegetable stock
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Add tomatoes and vegetable stock. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender.
Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Garnish with basil and serve hot.

Notes

For the best flavor, use ripe Roma or San Marzano tomatoes.
Substitute coconut milk or almond cream for a dairy-free version.
Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Tomato bisque soup, creamy tomato soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, dairy-free tomato bisque