Yard House Tomato Bisque Recipe

Yard House Tomato Bisque is one of my go-to comfort meals when the weather gets cold.

There was this busy Tuesday evening when I came home tired from work. I wanted something warm and easy to make.

My fridge had some tomatoes, cream, and basic veggies. I decided to recreate that amazing bowl of soup I had at Yard House last winter. This copycat Yard House Tomato Bisque recipe gives you that restaurant taste at home.

The soup comes out rich, smooth, and packed with flavor. You can make it creamy or add some spice to match your mood. Each spoonful warms you up from the inside.

What Is Tomato Bisque

Tomato bisque is a smooth, creamy soup made from tomatoes and cream. The word “bisque” means a rich, thick soup that has been blended until silky. This type of soup started in France many years ago.

Traditional bisque was made with seafood, but now we make it with vegetables too. The main thing that makes bisque special is its velvety texture.

Tomato bisque combines the natural sweetness of tomatoes with butter, cream, and herbs. The result is a warm, comforting bowl of goodness that feels like a hug on a cold day.

Difference Between Tomato Soup and Tomato Bisque

Many people think tomato soup and tomato bisque are the same thing, but they have key differences.

Regular tomato soup is usually thinner and made with tomatoes, broth, and some seasonings. It might have chunks of vegetables or tomatoes in it.

Tomato bisque is always smooth and creamy. It contains heavy cream or milk, which makes it richer and thicker.

Bisque also has more butter and often includes roasted or fire-roasted tomatoes for deeper flavor. The texture is silky because everything gets blended together.

Think of tomato soup as the lighter cousin and tomato bisque as the fancier, creamier version. Both taste great, but bisque gives you that restaurant-quality feel at home.

Yard House Tomato Bisque Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter: Used to cook the vegetables. It gives the soup a rich, savory base. You can use olive oil instead.
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced: Sweet onions have a milder taste than yellow onions. They add a sweet, gentle flavor without being too sharp.
• 2 to 3 stalks celery, diced: Celery adds a fresh, earthy taste. It is a key part of the flavor base.
• 2 whole carrots, diced: Carrots add a little bit of natural sweetness and a beautiful orange color to the soup.
• 4 cloves minced garlic: Fresh garlic gives the soup a wonderful aroma and a deep, savory flavor.
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme: Fresh thyme leaves have a subtle, minty flavor. Dried thyme can be used; use 1 teaspoon.
• 3 cups chicken broth: This forms the liquid base of the soup. Vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian version.
• 28 ounce can fire roasted crushed tomatoes: These tomatoes are the heart of the soup. The fire-roasting gives them a smoky, deep flavor that is essential. Regular crushed tomatoes can be used, but the smoky taste will be less.
• 2 packets Sazon: This is a seasoned salt mix. It adds a great orange-red color and a unique savory taste. If you cannot find it, use 1 teaspoon of paprika and a pinch of salt.
• Cayenne pepper: This is a ground red pepper. It adds a little bit of heat. Use just a pinch, or more if you like spicy food.
• Salt and pepper: Used to adjust the final flavor to your liking.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream: This is what makes the bisque creamy and luxurious. For a lighter soup, half-and-half can be used, but the soup will be less rich.
• Fresh basil: Used for garnish. It adds a fresh, sweet smell and a pop of green color on top.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

1. Large Pot – For cooking the soup base
2. Sharp Knife – Cuts vegetables easily
3. Cutting Board – Safe surface for chopping
4. Garlic Press – Makes mincing garlic simple (optional)
5. Wooden Spatula – For stirring and mixing
6. Blender – Creates smooth, creamy texture
7. Ladle – Serves soup neatly into bowls

How To Make Yard House Tomato Bisque

Step 1 | Cook the Vegetables

Place the large pot on the stove over medium heat. Add the 4 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt. Add the diced sweet onion, celery, and carrots to the pot. Stir them with a spatula. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, until the onions look soft and clear. Cook until the vegetables are softened but not browned.

Step 2 | Add the Garlic and Herbs

Add the 4 cloves of minced garlic and the 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme to the pot. Stir and cook for one more minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3 | Pour in Liquids and Tomatoes

Pour the 3 cups of chicken broth and the entire 28-ounce can of fire-roasted crushed tomatoes into the pot. Stir everything together until it is well combined.

Step 4 | Season the Soup

Add the 2 packets of Sazon to the pot. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, and some salt and black pepper. Stir everything together. Let the soup come to a gentle bubble. Then, reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 20 minutes. Stir it every few minutes so it does not stick to the bottom.

Step 5 | Cool and Blend

Turn off the heat. Let the soup sit and cool down for at least 20–30 minutes. It should not be steaming hot. Carefully ladle the soup into your blender.

Do not fill the blender more than halfway. Put the lid on the blender, but remove the little center cap. Cover the hole with a clean kitchen towel. This lets steam escape. Blend the soup until it is completely smooth. You may need to do this in two or three batches.

Step 6 | Finish with Cream

Pour the smooth, blended soup back into the pot. Turn the heat to low. Stir in the 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Warm the soup gently for about 5 minutes. Do not let it boil after adding the cream.

Step 7 | Serve

Taste the Yard House Tomato Bisque Recipe and add more salt or pepper if need. Ladle the bisque into bowls. Tear a few fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them on top for a fresh finish.

Chef’s Special Notes

• Heat control is essential: Keep the vegetables over medium heat. Let them soften gently without browning to preserve a sweet, balanced flavor.
• Garlic needs attention: Add the garlic last and stir constantly. Once it becomes fragrant, it’s done – any browning will make the soup bitter.
• Flavor building matters: Scrape the bottom of the pot before adding broth to lift the golden bits. These add rich, deep flavor to the bisque.
• Blending is the key: Hot soup can explode in a blender. Always let it cool for 20–30 minutes before blending. Keep the lid’s center cap off and cover with a towel to let steam escape safely.
• Texture makes the difference: For a silky, restaurant-style finish, strain the blended soup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any tiny bits of skin or herbs.
• Cream should be added slowly: Warm the soup gently over low heat and stir in the cream gradually. Start with ¾ cup and add more to taste – never let it boil, or it may curdle.
• Resting enhances flavor: The bisque tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully. Refrigerate and reheat gently before serving.

What Goes Well With Tomato Bisque Soup

Tomato bisque pairs perfectly with many simple sides. A classic choice is a warm grilled cheese sandwich, where the crispy bread and melted cheese complement the creamy soup.

Fresh garden salad adds crunch and freshness, while garlic bread or buttery croutons bring a cozy texture.

For a fuller meal, try pairing it with a small serving of roasted or tender chicken or a baked potato.

Even a side of steamed vegetables makes a nice balance to this flavorful bisque.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead: You can make this soup a full day before you need it. Just follow the recipe but stop before adding the cream.

Let the pureed soup cool, then keep it in your fridge. When you are ready to eat, warm the soup and stir in the cream.

How to Store: Let the bisque cool to room temperature. Put it in a container with a tight lid. It will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat: Warm the soup in a pot on the stove over low heat. Stir it often until it is hot. You can also heat a single portion in the microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Freezing: You can freeze this soup, but it is best to do so without the cream. The cream can separate and become grainy when frozen.

Freeze the pureed soup base in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove and then stir in the fresh cream.

Yard House Tomato Bisque Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You can, but it takes more work. You would need about 3 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Roast them in your oven first to get a deep flavor. Then, peel off the skins before using them in the recipe.

2. Can I make this soup without a blender?

You can make tomato bisque without a blender, but the texture will be different. Try using a potato masher to break up the vegetables as much as possible while the soup cooks.

You can also use a fork to mash everything against the side of the pot. The soup will be chunkier and not as smooth, but it will still taste good.

3. My soup is too thick. How can I thin it out?

This is an easy fix. Just add a little more chicken broth or some water. Stir it in a quarter-cup at a time until the soup is the thickness you like.

4. Can I use an immersion blender instead?

An immersion blender is a great tool for this recipe. You can blend the soup right in the pot. It is safer because you do not have to transfer hot soup.

5. How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Cream curdles when it gets too hot too quickly or when added to very acidic soup. To prevent this, always add cream at the very end after the soup has been blended and is gently warming.

Keep the heat on medium-low or low, never high. Stir the cream in slowly and let it warm through without boiling. Room temperature cream is less likely to curdle than cold cream straight from the fridge.

Some people temper the cream by adding a bit of hot soup to it first, then stirring that mixture back into the pot.

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Yard House Tomato Bisque Recipe

Yield: 6 servings (about 1 1/2 cups per serving)

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Make this creamy Yard House Tomato Bisque in 50 mins! Rich, smooth, and flavorful, perfect for cozy dinners. Serve 6 and enjoy restaurant-style soup.

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Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 2–3 stalks celery, diced
• 2 whole carrots, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 28-ounce can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
• 2 packets Sazon (or 1 teaspoon paprika + pinch of salt)
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Place the large pot on the stove over medium heat. Add the 4 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt. Add the diced sweet onion, celery, and carrots to the pot. Stir them with a spatula. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, until the onions look soft and clear. Cook until the vegetables are softened but not browned.
2. Add the 4 cloves of minced garlic and the 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme to the pot. Stir and cook for one more minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Pour the 3 cups of chicken broth and the entire 28-ounce can of fire-roasted crushed tomatoes into the pot. Stir everything together until it is well combined.
4. Add the 2 packets of Sazon to the pot. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, and some salt and black pepper. Stir everything together. Let the soup come to a gentle bubble. Then, reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 20 minutes. Stir it every few minutes so it does not stick to the bottom.
5. Turn off the heat. Let the soup sit and cool down for at least 20–30 minutes. It should not be steaming hot. Carefully ladle the soup into your blender. Do not fill the blender more than halfway. Put the lid on the blender, but remove the little center cap. Cover the hole with a clean kitchen towel. This lets steam escape. Blend the soup until it is completely smooth. You may need to do this in two or three batches.
6. Pour the smooth, blended soup back into the pot. Turn the heat to low. Stir in the 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Warm the soup gently for about 5 minutes. Do not let it boil after adding the cream.
7. Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if need. Ladle the bisque into bowls. Tear a few fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them on top for a fresh finish.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: (per serving)
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 240Saturated Fat: (per serving)gTrans Fat: 18gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 940mgCarbohydrates: 16gSugar: 9g

This homemade version of the Yard House Tomato Bisque fills your kitchen with a wonderful smell. Each spoonful is warm, creamy, and satisfying.

Sharing this recipe allows you to create a restaurant favorite with simple ingredients. A bowl of this rich soup turns an ordinary day into something special. Enjoy your delicious creation.