Creamy Tomato Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons

I love making this Creamy Tomato Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons when I’m craving something cozy and comforting. The smooth, velvety tomato soup paired with golden, crispy bites of grilled cheese creates the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I appreciate how this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into something truly special. The bisque is rich, creamy, and full of deep tomato flavor, while the grilled cheese croutons add a playful twist to a classic pairing. I also enjoy how customizable it is, since I can adjust the creaminess or switch up the cheeses. It’s one of my favorite comfort meals for chilly evenings or relaxed weekends at home.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

For the grilled cheese croutons:

4 slices sandwich bread
4 slices cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter

Directions

I start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. I add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. I stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

I pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, then add the sugar and dried basil. I bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Using an immersion blender, I carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. I stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste. I let it simmer for another 5 minutes on low heat.

While the soup finishes cooking, I prepare the grilled cheese. I butter one side of each bread slice. I place a slice of cheese between two slices of bread, buttered sides facing out. I cook the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side.

Once cooked, I let the sandwiches cool slightly, then cut them into small cubes to create croutons.

I ladle the hot tomato bisque into bowls and top each serving with a handful of grilled cheese croutons before serving.

Servings and Timing

I find this recipe serves 4 people.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: about 45 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat. When I want a deeper flavor, I roast the tomatoes beforehand instead of using canned. I also enjoy using a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Gruyère for the croutons. For a lighter version, I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. I store the grilled cheese croutons separately to keep them from getting soggy and reheat them briefly in a skillet or oven to restore their crispness.

FAQs

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, I can use olive oil instead of butter and substitute coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative for the heavy cream.

Can I freeze tomato bisque?

Yes, I freeze the soup without the cream for best results. I add the cream after reheating to maintain a smooth texture.

What type of tomatoes work best?

I like using high-quality crushed tomatoes for convenience, but I can also use fresh ripe tomatoes when they’re in season.

Can I use a regular blender instead of an immersion blender?

Yes, I carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth, making sure not to overfill it.

How do I keep the grilled cheese croutons crispy?

I store them separately from the soup and add them just before serving so they stay crunchy.

Conclusion

I love how this Creamy Tomato Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons combines nostalgic flavors with a fun, modern twist. The smooth, rich soup and crispy, cheesy croutons create a comforting dish that always feels satisfying. It’s a recipe I return to whenever I want something warm, cozy, and full of flavor.

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