Tomato Bacon Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons

You'll love this Tomato Bacon Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons recipe—it's like a hug in a bowl! The creamy, smoky tomato bisque is paired with crispy grilled cheese croutons, making it a cozy, feel-good meal that’s perfect for any day. Vegan + Gluten-free Options.

The other day, I made my classic tomato soup and a grilled cheese for my son, and he asked me to cut it into small pieces—lightbulb moment! Why haven’t I made grilled cheese croutons before? Genius, right? Haha. So, I decided to whip up an ultra-creamy Tomato Bacon Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons because, really, who doesn’t love a little bacon?

This soup is ultra-rich, thanks to those jammy, herb-roasted tomatoes, and it’s got that dreamy, velvety texture you crave. The grilled cheese croutons take it to the next level with the perfect balance of crispiness + cheesiness. Plus, there are vegan + gluten-free options, so everyone can enjoy it. It's kid-friendly, family-friendly, and perfect for lunch or dinner—and it freezes beautifully for those make-ahead meals!

If you’re as obsessed with tomatoes as I am, you’ll want to check out my Easy Herb Tomato Salad, Easy Classic Bruschetta, and Herbed Butter Tomato Pizza next. They’re perfect for using up any leftover tomatoes, and I’m sure you’ll love them just as much as I do!

What Is Tomato Bisque?

Tomato bisque is a rich and creamy soup made from tomatoes, often blended to a smooth texture. It's typically flavored with ingredients like onions, garlic, and sometimes cream for a velvety, comforting taste. In this version, I've opted to add candied bacon for an extra layer of smoky flavor, making it even more indulgent and delicious.

What Are Grilled Cheese Croutons?

Grilled cheese croutons are exactly what they sound like—crispy, buttery bits of grilled cheese that bring a cheesy crunch to your soup or salad. They’re ridiculously delicious and turn any meal into a cozy, satisfying treat!

How To Make Tomato Bacon Bisque

This bisque has a few key elements that make it extra special. For an ultra-rich flavor, I roast my tomatoes beforehand (check out my herb-roasted tomatoes recipe), and I also prep some candied bacon (you can skip this step if you’re going vegetarian). And, of course, you’ll want to get those grilled cheese croutons ready—more on that below!

Ingredients

SOUP:

• Herb roasted tomatoes. This gives the bisque a really rich flavor. See how to make them HERE!
• Candied bacon. Roughly chopped. You can make this ahead of time if you prefer. See the recipe HERE.
• Extra virgin olive oil. Feel free to use your favorite high-quality EVOO. My fave tried and trusted brand is California Olive Ranch.
• Garlic cloves. Minced.
• Onion. You can use yellow, white, or red.
• Tomato paste. Depending on the depth of tomato flavor + color desired.
• Cooking wine. Optional.
• Vegetable or chicken stock. Use store-bought low-sodium broth or make your own!
• Heavy cream. I recommend organic--always! I love the brand Organic Valley!
• Pure maple syrup. This helps to balance out the savory flavor you can also use brown sugar.
• Spices + seasonings. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano + dried thyme.
• Sea salt + black pepper. To taste.
• Red pepper flakes. Use as much or as little as you prefer.
• Parmesan. Freshly-grated.
• Cornstarch + warm water. This helps to thicken up the soup.

TOPPINGS:

• Parmesan. Freshly-grated.
• Candied bacon. Chopped.
• Fresh parsley. Chopped

How To Make Grilled Cheese Croutons

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. We’re basically making grilled cheese in the oven with garlic herb butter—so good!

Spread the butter on the outside of each bread slice, add a big handful of shredded cheese to one side, then top with the other slice, buttered side out. Pop them onto the baking sheet, cover them with another sheet, and weigh it down to press them. Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden + melty. Let them cool just enough to handle, then slice into crouton-sized squares.

INGREDIENTS FOR GRILLED CHEESE CROUTONS:

• Favorite rustic bread. I love using brioche bread or other rustic bread like sourdough, etc.
• Garlic herb butter. You can use store-bought or easily make your own!
• Cheddar cheese. Shredded. Feel free to use your go-to type of cheese.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS TOMATO SOUP!

Here, I've curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Tomato Bacon Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons. Everything from my fave baking sheet, dutch ovens, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

What's The Difference Between Bisque and Soup?

Bisque and soup might seem similar, but they have their differences. Bisque is a type of creamy, smooth soup that’s usually made with a rich base, often featuring seafood or roasted veggies (like tomatoes in this case).

It’s all about that velvety texture. On the other hand, soups can vary widely—they might be chunky, broth-based, or creamy, but they don’t have the same luxurious, blended consistency as a bisque. In short, bisques are like the fancy, dressed-up version of soup!

Why You Will LOVE Tomato Bacon Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons

• Creamy, rich + comforting in every bite.
• Grilled cheese croutons = crunchy, cheesy perfection.
• The roasted tomatoes make it extra delicious.
• Kid-friendly + family-approved.
• Simple yet feels gourmet.
• Great for lunch or dinner.

Can I Make This Tomato Bacon Bisque + Grilled Cheese Croutons Vegan?

Definitely! To make this bisque vegan, simply substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream/milk. I love using canned coconut cream from Edwards & Sons, however, you can always use canned coconut milk as well and refrigerate it overnight to thicken and create more creaminess.

Also, use dairy-free cheese for your grilled cheese croutons and vegan butter instead of unsalted as well as dairy-free parmesan as a substitute. For a vegan-friendly brioche, you can use my Soft Buttery Vegan Brioche Bread!

Tomato Bacon Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons Q + A's

Comforting Tomato Recipes To Try Next

My Tomato Bacon Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons is a smash hit, so if you like this one, you will love these recipes!

• Herbed Butter Tomato Pizza
• Creamy Jumbo Shell Garlic Tomato Pasta
• Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese
• Spicy Vodka Rigatoni Pasta Bake
• Delicious Vegan Lasagna Soup
• The Best Vegan Meat Sauce + Gnocchi 

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Tomato Bacon Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Tomato Bacon Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons

August 13, 2024 •

By Shanika

5 from 2 votes

You'll love this Tomato Bacon Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons recipe—it's like a hug in a bowl! The creamy, smoky bisque is paired with crispy grilled cheese croutons, making it a cozy, feel-good meal that’s perfect for any day. Vegan + Gluten-free Options.

Prep Time: 20 minutes mins

Cook Time: 40 minutes mins

Total Time: 1 hour hr

Serves: 4 servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

SOUP:

• 4 cups Herb roasted tomatoes
• 6 strips candied bacon, roughly chopped
• 2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, chopped (You can use yellow, white, or red)
• 8 Tbsps tomato paste, organic (You can reduce to 6 Tbsps for desired color)
• 2 Tbsps cooking wine, optional
• 4 cups organic vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 cup organic heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• sea salt + black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup freshly-grated parmesan
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 3 Tbsps warm water

GRILLED CHEESE CROUTONS:

• 4 slices your favorite rustic bread (I love using brioche bread or other rustic bread like sourdough, etc. )
• 4 Tbsps Garlic Herb Butter
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

TOPPINGS:

• Freshly-grated parmesan
• Chopped candied bacon (You can make this by following my Candied Bacon recipe)
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

TO MAKE THE HERB ROASTED TOMATOES:

• To roast the tomatoes, see my Herb Roasted Tomatoes recipe.

TO MAKE THE CANDIED BACON:

• Learn how to make Candied Bacon with my recipe and chop them into medium pieces. Set a small amount aside for topping.

TO MAKE THE GRILLED CHEESE CROUTONS:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• On the outsides of each bread slice, spread a bit of the Garlic Herb Butter so that they become nicely crisp and golden. On one side of 2 slices of bread, top with a handful of shredded cheese. Place the other side of bread that has nothing (ensuring that the buttered side is on the outside) atop the cheese, pressing them gently together to make a sandwich. Repeat for both sandwiches.
• Place sandwiches onto prepared baking sheet and cover with parchment paper and another baking sheet so that everything is pressed down while baking. Baked for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown on the outsides and cheese has melted. Remove from oven and let cool until safe enough to handle before slicing them into squares like croutons.

SAUTE THE INGREDIENTS:

• In a medium-sized dutch oven pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the chopped onions and minced garlic cloves, and sauté until translucent + fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste, stirring until combined.

BLEND EVERYTHING TOGETHER:

• Remove from heat and add the sautéed veggies in a high-powered blender along with the roasted tomatoes, chopped candied bacon, and vegetable or chicken stock. Blend on high-speed until everything is fully broken down and smooth.

TO MAKE THE BISQUE:

• In the same medium-sized dutch oven pot over medium-high heat, add the blended tomato mixture along with the heavy cream, cooking wine, grated parmesan, and maple syrup, stirring everything together until combined.
• Let everything boil for 1-2 minutes and then reduce heat to low to allow a simmer for another 5-6 minutes. Add cornstarch mixture (cornstarch + water), stirring frequently until it dissolves fully.
• At this point, the bisque should be thickened as it continues to simmer. Add salt and black pepper, to taste.
• Remove from heat and serve immediately into prepared bowl(s), top with grilled cheese croutons, a bit of chopped candied bacon, and chopped parsley, if desired.
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

• STORAGE: Leftovers can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, for optimal freshness. Can also be frozen for 4-6 months. To defrost, simply place soup in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature before re-heating on the stove top to serve.
• VEGAN OPTION: To make this bisque vegan, simply substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream/milk. I love using canned coconut cream from Edwards & Sons, however, you can always use canned coconut milk as well and refrigerate it overnight to thicken and create more creaminess. Also, use dairy-free cheese for your grilled cheese croutons and vegan butter instead of unsalted as well as dairy-free parmesan as a substitute. For a vegan-friendly brioche, you can use my Soft Buttery Vegan Brioche Bread!

Nutrition

Calories: 678kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 55g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 128mg | Sodium: 1298mg | Potassium: 577mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 3145IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 468mg | Iron: 3mg

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