Tomato Bacon Bisque: A Creamy Delight for Soup Lovers

Tomato Bacon Bisque is a delightful dish that brings together the rich, comforting flavors of ripe tomatoes and crispy bacon in a creamy, velvety soup. As I first tasted this exquisite bisque, I was instantly transported to a cozy kitchen filled with the aroma of simmering tomatoes and sizzling bacon. This recipe has roots in classic French cuisine, where bisques are traditionally made with seafood, but the addition of bacon gives it a unique twist that many have come to adore.

People love Tomato Bacon Bisque not only for its incredible taste but also for its luxurious texture that warms the soul. The combination of sweet tomatoes and savory bacon creates a harmonious balance that is both satisfying and indulgent. Plus, it’s a convenient dish that can be whipped up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend treat. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household!

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Base

Let’s get started on our delicious Tomato Bacon Bisque! The first step is to create a flavorful base that will set the tone for the entire dish.

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, place the chopped bacon over medium heat. Cook until the bacon is crispy, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The bacon will render its fat, which will add a wonderful flavor to our bisque.
2. Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the bacon fat in the pot; we’ll use it to sauté our vegetables.
3. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Next, add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté the mixture for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently. The vegetables should soften and become fragrant.

Building the Flavor

Now that we have a lovely base of vegetables, it’s time to build the flavor profile of our bisque.

5. Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, along with their juices. Stir well to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
6. Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. This will help to create the soup-like consistency we’re aiming for. Stir everything together.
7. Now, it’s time to add our dried herbs. Sprinkle in the dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. These will infuse the bisque with aromatic flavors.
8. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Blending the Bisque

After the bisque has simmered, it’s time to blend it into a smooth and creamy texture.

9. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Just be cautious with the hot liquid!
10. Once blended, return the bisque to the pot if you used a regular blender. Stir in the heavy cream, which will give the bisque its rich and creamy texture. Allow it to heat through for another 5 minutes.
11. Season the bisque with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the bacon will add some saltiness, so taste before adding too much salt.

Finishing Touches

Now that our bisque is perfectly blended and seasoned, let’s finish it off with some final touches.

12. Return the crispy bacon to the pot and stir it into the bisque. This will add a delightful crunch and smoky flavor to each bowl.
13. If you’d like, you can garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. It’s a simple touch that elevates the presentation.
14. Serve the Tomato Bacon Bisque hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers (which I doubt because it’s so delicious!), here’s how to store and reheat your bisque:

15. Conclusion:

    In summary, this Tomato Bacon Bisque is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their soup game. The rich, smoky flavor of the bacon perfectly complements the sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a comforting bowl of goodness that warms the soul. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a gathering, this bisque is sure to impress your family and friends. For serving suggestions, I love pairing this bisque with a crusty piece of garlic bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. You can also get creative with variations—try adding a splash of cream for extra richness, or toss in some fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an added layer of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider blending in some roasted red peppers or a hint of spice with crushed red pepper flakes to give it a kick! I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Tomato Bacon Bisque a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the love for this delightful recipe together! Happy cooking! Print
    

    Tomato Bacon Bisque: A Creamy Delight for Soup Lovers

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    • Author: Dottie
    • Total Time: 55 minutes
    • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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    Description

    Indulge in this creamy Tomato Bacon Bisque, where crispy bacon meets rich tomatoes and aromatic herbs. Perfectly blended for a smooth texture, this comforting soup is ideal for chilly days and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread.

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    Ingredients

    Scale 1x2x3x

    • 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped
    • 1 medium onion, diced
    • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
    • 1 carrot, diced
    • 1 celery stalk, diced
    • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
    • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

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    Instructions

    1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, place the chopped bacon over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
    2. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
    3. Add minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté for another 5 minutes until softened.
    4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes with their juices and stir to combine.
    5. Add the chicken or vegetable broth and stir well.
    6. Sprinkle in dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes.
    7. Blend the bisque using an immersion blender until smooth. If using a regular blender, transfer in batches carefully.
    8. Return to the pot (if using a regular blender) and stir in the heavy cream. Heat through for another 5 minutes.
    9. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of the bacon.
    10. Stir the crispy bacon back into the bisque.
    11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve hot.

    Notes

    • For a spicier bisque, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
    • This bisque can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 40 minutes