Introduction

Creamy Tomato Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons is the ultimate comfort-food upgrade to a beloved classic. Rich, velvety tomato soup is blended until smooth and finished with cream for luxurious texture, then topped with golden, crispy grilled cheese croutons that add crunch, nostalgia, and indulgence in every bite. This dish is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or a comforting lunch paired with a simple salad.

What Is Tomato Bisque?

Tomato bisque is a smooth, cream-based soup traditionally made by puréeing cooked tomatoes with aromatics and enriching the base with cream or milk. Unlike chunky tomato soup, bisque is known for its silky texture and deeper, more refined flavor.

In this version, classic tomato bisque is elevated with grilled cheese croutons—bite-sized cubes of toasted bread and melted cheese that deliver the iconic soup-and-sandwich pairing in a single bowl.

Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Bisque

For the Tomato Bisque

Olive oil or butter
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic cloves, minced

Tomato paste
Canned whole or crushed tomatoes
Vegetable or chicken broth

Heavy cream or half-and-half
Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Dried basil or thyme (optional)
Fresh basil for garnish

For the Grilled Cheese Croutons

Bread (sourdough or sandwich bread)

Butter
Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, or a blend)

How to Make Creamy Tomato Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons

1. Build the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft and translucent, then add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for a minute to deepen its flavor.

2. Simmer the Soup

Add tomatoes and broth, stirring to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs if using. Simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Blend Until Smooth

Use an immersion blender or countertop blender to purée the soup until completely smooth. Return to low heat.

4. Add the Cream

Stir in cream or half-and-half, adjusting seasoning and sweetness as needed. Keep warm without boiling.

5. Prepare the Grilled Cheese Croutons

Butter bread slices, add cheese, and grill until golden and melted. Cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized cubes.

6. Serve

Ladle hot bisque into bowls and top generously with grilled cheese croutons. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Expert Tips for the Best Tomato Bisque

Use good-quality tomatoes: This is the foundation of flavor.

Cook tomato paste: It removes raw acidity and adds depth.
Blend thoroughly: A silky texture defines a true bisque.
Do not boil after adding cream: Gentle heat prevents curdling.

Variations and Customizations

Roasted Tomato Bisque

Roast fresh tomatoes before blending for a deeper, caramelized flavor.

Dairy-Free Option

Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy cream.

Spicy Tomato Bisque

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for gentle heat.

Gourmet Grilled Cheese Croutons

Use brioche bread and specialty cheeses like fontina or smoked Gouda.

What to Serve with Tomato Bisque

This soup pairs beautifully with:

Simple green salad with vinaigrette

Garlic bread or breadsticks
Roasted vegetables
A light protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

Make-Ahead

The bisque can be prepared up to two days in advance. Add cream when reheating for best texture.

Storage

Store soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep croutons separate.

Freezing

Freeze the soup without cream for up to 3 months. Add cream after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using low-quality tomatoes
Skipping the blending step

Overheating after adding cream
Adding grilled cheese croutons too early, causing sogginess

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between tomato soup and tomato bisque?
Bisque is cream-based and fully puréed, while tomato soup may be thinner or chunky.

Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, use plant-based butter, dairy-free cream, and vegan cheese.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, though roasting them first improves flavor.

Conclusion

Creamy Tomato Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons transforms a familiar comfort food into an elevated, satisfying meal. With its smooth texture, rich tomato flavor, and irresistible cheesy crunch, this dish is guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike. Whether served for lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests, it is a timeless recipe worth adding to your collection.

Creamy Tomato Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

For the bisque:
• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 (28 oz) cans whole San Marzano tomatoes (with juice)
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
• 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
• 1 tsp dried basil or 1 tbsp fresh
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or 1 tbsp tomato paste for depth

For grilled cheese croutons:
• 4 slices sourdough or country bread
• 2 tbsp butter, softened
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Gruyère
• Optional: pinch of garlic powder or chopped chives

Instructions

Bisque: Melt butter in a large pot over medium. Sauté onion 5 min until soft. Add garlic; cook 30 sec.

Add tomatoes (crush by hand as you add), broth, sugar, and basil. Bring to a simmer; cook 20–25 min to meld flavors.
Use an immersion blender (or countertop blender in batches) to purée until silky smooth. Stir in cream; warm through (do not boil). Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Grilled cheese croutons: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place unbuttered side down on skillet over medium heat. Top with cheese; cover with second slice (butter-side out). Cook 3–4 min per side until golden and cheese melts. Cool 2 min, then cut into 1″ cubes.

Ladle hot bisque into bowls. Top generously with grilled cheese croutons.