FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You Need My Tomato Bisque Recipe
• What Is Tomato Bisque?
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Tomato Bisque
• My Recipe Tips
• Storage & Meal Prep
• Serving Ideas
• More Creamy Soup Recipes
• Tomato Bisque (Easy Recipe) Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

Creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-cozy, my tomato bisque is the perfect comfort food I turn to again and again. I order it whenever I see it on a restaurant menu, but it’s actually so easy to make yourself. Much like its close cousin roasted tomato soup , this one shares the classic tomato flavor, but a cream base sets it apart and gives it a velvety smooth texture you’re going to love. Make this tomato bisque soup recipe with me when you’re craving something warm and comforting!

Why You Need My Tomato Bisque Recipe

• Super flavorful – It’s a given that the tomatoes shine here, but you also get a good dose of aromatics, fresh herbs, and of course, cream.
• Creamy, velvety texture – My tomato bisque soup is a lot like other bisques (such as my lobster bisque ), and similar to other blended creamy veggie soups (hello, butternut squash soup ). In other words, it’s thick, creamy, and silky smooth.
• Simple ingredients – Most of these are simple pantry staples, and they’re naturally gluten-free. Plus, there’s very little prep — this soup only takes me around half an hour!
• Perfect for cozy nights or chilly days – Tomato bisque will warm you right up! I also love serving it as a light, healthy dinner with a salad, or a meal prep lunch with a sandwich.

What Is Tomato Bisque?

Tomato bisque is a fancy name for creamy tomato soup. Unlike your run-of-the-mill types that use only broth or stock, this bisque has cream added for a texture that’s… well, richer and creamier! And I love it even more.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my homemade tomato bisque, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Canned Tomatoes – I prefer this soup with these crushed tomatoes . Feel free to use canned whole peeled tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, or diced tomatoes. You can even substitute 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes instead and just dice them before cooking, but canned ones are more convenient and I find they actually produce a deeper flavor.
• Aromatics – Onions, garlic, and celery are classic in tomato bisque recipes. You could substitute shallots or leeks, or swap in 2 teaspoons of jarred garlic instead of fresh.
• Olive Oil – To saute the veggies. Avocado oil is also fine, or even butter, since we’re not using high heat.
• Chicken Broth – Like I do for most recipes, I used reduced sodium chicken broth to control the salt in this recipe. Regular is also fine, but you’d need less added salt. You can also make your own homemade chicken broth , use vegetable broth, or even swap in bone broth for more nutrition.
• Fresh Herbs – I used a combination of fresh basil and fresh thyme. You can choose other herbs, like rosemary, oregano, or parsley. Dried herbs work as well (use 1 teaspoon dried to replace each tablespoon fresh), or use 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning instead. I also garnish my tomato bisque with extra basil, which is optional.
• Heavy Cream – This gives the soup its rich, creamy flavor and texture. You can substitute half and half to lighten it up, but I don’t recommend regular milk, as it’s too thin. For a dairy-free alternative, canned full-fat coconut milk will give you a similarly creamy result.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper – If you like some heat, throw in some crushed red pepper flakes, too.

How To Make Tomato Bisque

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Saute the onions and celery. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven ( I used this one and love it) or large pot over medium heat, until shimmering. Add the diced onions and celery. Saute until the onions are translucent and starting to brown.
2. Saute the garlic. Add the minced garlic and saute until fragrant.

1. Simmer the tomato bisque. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
2. Blend until smooth. Pour the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.

1. Make it creamy. Return the soup to the pot, and stir in heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
2. Serve. I love how beautiful the tomato bisque looks with a garnish with fresh basil and an extra drizzle of cream!

My Recipe Tips

• The more powerful your blender, the smoother your soup will be. I have this one and it’s amazing for smooth soups. If yours is not very powerful, you’ll need to blend for longer.
• If the soup doesn’t all fit in your blender, work in batches. Ladle as much of the soup into the blender as you can fit below the max line, blend, and transfer to a large bowl. Repeat with the rest of it, then transfer it all back to the pot.
• Don’t have a large blender or want easier cleanup? You can also use an immersion blender to blend the soup right in the pot. I used to think an immersion blender can’t get soups as smooth as a regular one, but turns out it was just the one I had! I recently got this one and it leaves my tomato bisque just as smooth as my regular blender.
• Give it enough time to simmer. It only takes about 15 minutes in my cast iron Dutch oven , but can take a bit longer if you use a pot with a different material. Some of the liquid evaporates as it cooks, and this is important to make it thick later.
• Do you need to cover the soup? No, you don’t. I recommend leaving it uncovered when simmering — again, this helps you get a thick consistency later.
• Adjust the flavor to your taste. If the soup seems to acidic, you can add a tablespoon of sweetener of your choice, more salt, or an extra splash of cream. If it’s too salty, more cream can help with that as well.

Storage & Meal Prep

• Store: Transfer to an airtight container, cool completely, and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.
• Meal prep: It’s one of the reasons I love this tomato bisque — it stores so well! Whip up a batch, portion it into containers, and refrigerate or freeze for convenient meals throughout the week.
• Reheat: Heat on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warm. You can also reheat in the microwave (been there, done that).
• Freeze: You can freeze this soup in any container or simply zip lock bags. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Serving Ideas

My tomato bisque recipe makes the perfect starter to dinner, or combined with a healthy salad or sandwich for lunch. Try these pairings:

• Sandwiches – My fave is a classic grilled cheese sandwich on 90 second bread .
• Salad – Pair this of tomato basil bisque with my chicken Caesar salad or steak salad for a classic soup-and-salad meal.
• Toppings – I usually just do a drizzle of cream and basil, but you can customize your bowl with other toppings, like shredded cheese (cheddar or Parmesan cheese), fresh herbs (basil or parsley), your favorite croutons, or a dollop of sour cream.
• French Mains – Tomato bisque is a French soup, so it’s perfect as a starter before serving my chicken Florentine (which is actually French, not Italian!) for dinner or with my spinach quiche for brunch.
• Italian Mains – Even though this soup is not Italian, I think it pairs very well with Italian-inspired flavors. Try it with my stuffed zucchini boats or eggplant rollatini .

More Creamy Soup Recipes

Love creamy soup recipes like I do? Try some of my other comforting favorites:

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 2 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 1 large Onion (diced) ▢
• 2 stalks Celery (sliced thinly) ▢
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
• 1 28-oz can Crushed tomatoes (or canned whole peeled tomatoes) ▢
• 1 14.5-oz can Chicken broth, reduced sodium (or vegetable broth) ▢
• 1 tbsp Fresh basil (chopped; plus more for garnish if desired) ▢
• 1 tbsp Fresh thyme ▢
• 1 cup Heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free) ▢
• 1/2 tbsp Sea salt (to taste) ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper (to taste) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or pot over medium heat, until shimmering.
2. Add the diced onions and celery. Saute for 8-10 minutes , until the onions are translucent and starting to brown.
3. Add the minced garlic. Saute for about 1 minute , until fragrant.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, and thyme. (If using canned whole peeled tomatoes, mash them before adding the broth.) Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes .
5. Transfer the soup to a powerful blender and puree until smooth. (Work in batches if needed.) You can also use an immersion blender to blend the soup right in the pot.
6. Return the soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh basil and/or an additional drizzle of cream, if you like.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

• Tips & substitutions: See the details in the post above! I’ve got tips to get your soup velvety smooth and thick, as well as how to adjust it if it’s too acidic or too salty for your taste. There are also notes on using different types of tomatoes.
• Store: 4-5 days in the fridge. My tomato bisque stores very well if you want to meal prep it ahead!
• Reheat: Heat on the stovetop over low to medium heat, or use the microwave.
• Freeze: Up to 3 months in the freezer.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Tomato Bisque

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Tomato Bisque (Easy Recipe)

My easy tomato bisque recipe is the perfect cozy soup! It’s creamy, thick, silky smooth, quick to make, and uses simple ingredients.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/tomato-bisque/

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 large Onion (diced)
• 2 stalks Celery (sliced thinly)
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 28-oz can Crushed tomatoes (or canned whole peeled tomatoes)
• 1 14.5-oz can Chicken broth, reduced sodium (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tbsp Fresh basil (chopped; plus more for garnish if desired)
• 1 tbsp Fresh thyme
• 1 cup Heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
• 1/2 tbsp Sea salt (to taste)
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or pot over medium heat, until shimmering.
2. Add the diced onions and celery. Saute for 8-10 minutes , until the onions are translucent and starting to brown.
3. Add the minced garlic. Saute for about 1 minute , until fragrant.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, and thyme. (If using canned whole peeled tomatoes, mash them before adding the broth.) Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes .
5. Transfer the soup to a powerful blender and puree until smooth. (Work in batches if needed.) You can also use an immersion blender to blend the soup right in the pot.
6. Return the soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh basil and/or an additional drizzle of cream, if you like.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

• Tips & substitutions: See the details in the post above! I’ve got tips to get your soup velvety smooth and thick, as well as how to adjust it if it’s too acidic or too salty for your taste. There are also notes on using different types of tomatoes.
• Store: 4-5 days in the fridge. My tomato bisque stores very well if you want to meal prep it ahead!
• Reheat: Heat on the stovetop over low to medium heat, or use the microwave.
• Freeze: Up to 3 months in the freezer.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)