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Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Bisque Recipe with Crispy Parmesan Croutons

creamy roasted tomato basil bisque - featured image

A comforting and rich roasted tomato basil bisque with a silky creamy texture, topped with crispy parmesan croutons. Perfect for cozy dinners and quick to prepare in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds ripe Roma tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth, low sodium
  • 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free option
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted (or olive oil for lighter version)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or a pinch of dried basil
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Halve the Roma tomatoes and quarter the onion. Smash the garlic cloves slightly. Toss all with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread tomatoes cut side up on the baking sheet, add onion and garlic around them. Roast for 35-40 minutes until caramelized and soft.
  4. While vegetables roast, prepare parmesan croutons: combine Parmesan, breadcrumbs, melted butter, Italian herbs, and pepper. Spread on a separate baking sheet lined with parchment.
  5. Bake croutons at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  6. Transfer roasted vegetables and juices to a blender. Add broth and blend until smooth and creamy.
  7. Pour blended mixture into a large pot. Stir in heavy cream and chopped basil. Heat gently over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.
  9. Serve hot topped with crispy parmesan croutons and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Roasting tomatoes is essential for deep flavor and reduced acidity. Add fresh basil at the end to preserve aroma. Use a high-speed blender for smooth texture. Watch croutons closely to avoid burning. Heat cream gently to prevent curdling. Sugar or honey can balance acidity if needed. For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut milk and omit or replace croutons.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato bisque, roasted tomato soup, creamy tomato soup, basil soup, parmesan croutons, easy soup recipe, cozy dinner