🇺🇸 USA · Food

Classic American Tomato Bisque

Name: Classic American Tomato Bisque
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 2 cloves garlic, minced Garlic; 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped Basil; 1 tsp salt Salt; 1 tsp granulated sugar Sugar; 1 medium onion Onion; 30g unsalted butter Butter; 800g canned crushed tomatoes Tomato; 180ml heavy cream Cream; 500ml chicken or vegetable broth Broth; ½ tsp black pepper Pepper

⏱ 20 min

Quicker than a pizza delivery

🔥 250 kcal

Nicely balanced

🍽 4 servings

Great for the family

By eatmundo · July 5, 2026

🇺🇸 US

This comforting and creamy soup is a beloved American classic, often served alongside a grilled cheese sandwich. Made with ripe tomatoes and a touch of cream, it offers a rich, velvety texture and a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients

check them off as you prepare

How to Make It

1
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Stir in 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
3
Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
4
Carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth, or transfer in batches to a regular blender.
5
Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil. Heat through gently for 2-3 minutes without boiling. Serve warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of tomatoes are best for Classic American Tomato Bisque?+

Canned crushed or whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes are ideal for their concentrated flavor and smooth texture, contributing depth to the bisque.

What type of cream should I use, and when is the best time to add it?+

Heavy cream (whipping cream) is recommended for its richness and stability; add it off the heat or over very low heat to prevent it from curdling.

How can I achieve a perfectly smooth and velvety texture for my tomato bisque?+

Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully blend in batches in a regular blender until silky smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve if desired.

Why is sugar often included in tomato bisque, and how much should I add?+

Sugar helps to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing their inherent sweetness; add 1-2 teaspoons to taste, adjusting as needed.

🇺🇸 US