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Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Bisque Recipe with Sourdough Grilled Cheese Dippers

creamy roasted tomato basil bisque - featured image

A comforting and creamy roasted tomato basil bisque paired with crispy sourdough grilled cheese dippers, perfect for cozy dinners and easy to prepare in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds ripe Roma tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed (reserve a few for garnish)
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (homemade or low sodium store-bought)
  • ¾ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free option
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 8 slices sourdough bread
  • 6 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Place halved Roma tomatoes, chopped onion, and smashed garlic cloves on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  3. Roast for 35-40 minutes until tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized around the edges.
  4. Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender. Add tomato paste, fresh basil leaves, and broth. Blend until smooth, venting the lid to avoid splatters.
  5. Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring in the cream. Cook for 5-7 minutes until flavors meld and soup thickens slightly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Butter one side of each sourdough slice. Place slices butter side down on a medium skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over half the slices, then top with remaining slices, butter side up.
  7. Grill each sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula until golden brown and cheese is melted. Remove from heat and let cool for a minute before slicing into strips.
  8. Serve immediately by ladling bisque into bowls, garnishing with fresh basil leaves, and placing grilled cheese dippers alongside.

Notes

Roasting the tomatoes is key for deep sweetness and flavor. When blending hot soup, vent the blender lid to avoid splatters. Use softened butter for even browning on grilled cheese. If bisque thickens after cooling, stir in broth or cream to loosen. For vegan version, substitute cream with coconut milk and use vegan cheese. Gluten-free if using gluten-free bread.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato bisque, roasted tomato soup, basil soup, grilled cheese dippers, sourdough grilled cheese, comfort food, easy soup recipe, creamy tomato soup