Best Copycat Panera Tomato Bisque Soup Recipe

I have to admit something: I’ve never been great at making soups, so sometimes they come out too watery or sometimes too chunky, and once, well, let’s say the fire alarm had a cameo, but then I tried this Tomato Bisque Soup, wow, it was a total game-changer.

Because Tomato Bisque Soup is creamy and has just the right amount of tangy sweetness, it felt like the soup version of a cozy hug. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to make.

Have you ever had that moment where you taste something, suddenly it feels like home, because that was me the first time I stirred my Tomato Bisque Soup while I was rushing dinner, a million other things, thinking this is gonna be a disaster, yet bam, it worked, and it was magic since Tomato Bisque Soup has the perfect balance.

It is not too rich and it is not too plain. The best part is you don’t need a fancy kitchen or chef-level skills, because if I can do it while half-distracted by a Netflix show, then you absolutely can too.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of diced tomatoes)
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ cup heavy cream or milk
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Ingredients notes

• Olive oil is like the soup’s helper; it makes everything soft and tasty.
• Onion and garlic are like magic; they make the soup smell amazing and taste rich.
• Fresh tomatoes are best if you can get them, but canned works too if you don’t have fresh ones.
• Broth is just tasty water that helps the soup taste more like a real soup.
• Sugar balances the tomatoes so it doesn’t taste too sour.
• Cream makes it smooth, like a little tomato cloud in your bowl.
• Basil is like a tiny green crown that makes it look fancy.

How to make Tomato Bisque Soup?

step 1: prepare the vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Then add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Your kitchen will start smelling so yummy!

step 2: add the tomatoes and broth

Put your chopped tomatoes or canned tomatoes into the pot. Pour in the broth, then add sugar, salt, pepper, and dried basil. Stir everything together so the flavors can be friends.

step 3: simmer the soup

Turn the heat down a little and let the soup cook for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally. The tomatoes will get soft and the flavors will mix together.

step 4: blend until smooth

Carefully pour the soup into a blender or use an immersion blender right in the pot. Blend until it’s super smooth and creamy. If you like a little chunk, blend less.

step 5: add the cream

Pour the cream or milk into the soup and stir. Heat the soup gently for 5 more minutes, but don’t let it boil. Taste it and add more salt or pepper if you want.

step 6: serve and enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls. Add a little fresh basil on top if you like. Grab a spoon, sit down, and enjoy the warm, creamy goodness.

kitchen equipment needed

• Big pot
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon for stirring
• Blender or immersion blender
• Ladle

storage options!

You can keep tomato bisque soup in the fridge for up to 4 days in a sealed container. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely first. To reheat, warm it slowly in a pot over low heat, stirring so it doesn’t burn.

variations!

If you want to try something different, here are a few ideas:

• Cheesy tomato bisque: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top before serving.
• Spicy tomato bisque: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking for a little kick.
• Roasted tomato bisque: Roast the tomatoes in the oven first to make the flavor extra deep and rich.
• Vegetable boost: Add some chopped carrots or bell peppers when cooking the onions for more nutrition.

what to enjoy with Tomato Bisque Soup?

when I started thinking about 7 different things to eat with Tomato Bisque Soup, the first one I tried was Protein Creamy Taco Soup because why not mix two soups and it was surprisingly amazing, then I thought maybe a crunchy salad would be good so I made the Seven Layer Salad, oh my, it was like a party in my mouth and I couldn’t stop smiling.

Have you ever had a day where you don’t know what to eat and suddenly you realize a simple Tomato Bisque Soup can be the base of so many little meals, because I’ve done that a lot; I just dunk breadsticks or garlic bread.

Other times, I pair it with small side salads or even simple roasted vegetables because it’s fun to experiment, and it keeps dinner exciting. Then I started thinking that maybe grilled cheese sandwiches or cheesy quesadillas would go well, and they do.

tips for making the best tomato bisque soup

• Use the ripest tomatoes you can find. The flavor is sweeter and less acidic.
• Don’t skip the sugar; it balances the tomato’s natural tartness.
• Stir the soup often while simmering to prevent sticking.
• Blend carefully, hot soup can splash, so hold the blender lid tightly.
• If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or milk until it’s just right.
• Taste as you go. Everyone likes different levels of salt, pepper, and sweetness.

fAQs

what is tomato bisque soup made of?

It’s made of tomatoes, onions, garlic, broth, a little sugar, spices, and cream.

what does tomato bisque soup taste like?

It’s creamy, a little sweet, a little tangy, and very smooth.

can you use canned tomatoes?

Yes, canned tomatoes work perfectly if fresh ones aren’t available.

can kids help make this soup?

Yes, they can stir, measure ingredients, and help pour the tomatoes.

is tomato bisque soup healthy?

It’s full of vitamins from the tomatoes and can be light if you use milk instead of cream.

how long does it take to make?

From start to finish, it takes about 40 minutes.

can I make it ahead?

Yes, you can make it a day or two before and store in the fridge or freeze for longer.

can I make it spicy?

Yes, just add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

can I add other vegetables?

Sure! Carrots, bell peppers, or even zucchini can be added for extra flavor.

what goes best with tomato bisque soup?

Grilled cheese sandwiches, garlic bread, crackers, or soft rolls.

can I make it vegan?

Yes, use plant-based cream or milk and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

how do I store leftover soup?

Keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.