Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup with Basil and Goat Cheese

This Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup with Basil and Goat Cheese Appetizer is a great way to serve a warm, comfort food appetizer to guests without spending all day in the kitchen! With just 4 main ingredients, this easy, semi-homemade soup recipe is the perfect cozy dish on a crisp fall day! Feed your family or host your friends and share.

One of my favorite things to do in the kitchen is recreate delicious dishes I’ve experienced in restaurants and try to make them easy and party-friendly. This recipe was inspired by a dish I ordered at Little Mama’s restaurant in Charlotte, NC, a few weeks ago.. It might have been the most delicious tomato soup I’ve ever had, and the goat cheese and chili oil really made it stand out! In turn, I picked up my favorite store-bought tomato bisque soup, doctored it up a little with fresh goat cheese, basil and some Calabrian chili oil. Then ladled it into cute dessert bowls and served with a slice of a grilled cheese sandwich. Easy peasy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I think you’ll love this recipe for the same reasons I do. It’s semi-homemade, meaning you simply zhuzh up some store-bought soup with a few elevated ingredients, and you get a delicious soup appetizer with a gourmet feel. And as a bonus, you can serve it individually in small dessert bowls, which creates a stunning presentation, or you can throw it on the table as an easy weeknight family meal!

Key Ingredients

• Your favorite go-to grocery store tomato bisque! The creamier the better.
• Creamy, tangy goat cheese.
• Spicy and delicious Calabrian chili oil.
• Fresh, fragrant basil.

How to Make Tomato Basil Bisque with Goat Cheese and Chili Oil as an Appetizer

Equipment:

• Medium Size Pot
• Spatula
• Ladle
• Mini Dessert Bowls (these are my 8 oz trifle bowls)

Ingredients:

• 2 16-oz cans of Tomato Bisque from the store (this is my favorite brand)
• 1/2 of a 10.5 oz Goat Cheese Log (or a small 4 oz log will do in a pinch)
• 1/2 – 1/4 tsp Sea Salt, to taste
• 1/2 – 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp Fresh Basil, chopped, plus a few extra leaves for garnish
• 1/2 tsp Calabrian Chili Oil, to taste (this is the chili oil I use)

Instructions:

1. Pour the soup into a pot and turn the stove to medium-high heat and warm the soup until it starts to bubble.
2. Slowly add the goat cheese and stir until well combined.
3. Add the salt and pepper and stir.
4. Add the chopped basil and stir.
5. Then add several drops of chili oil and stir. Taste the soup and add more chili oil until you reach the desired level of spice.
6. Turn your stove down to medium-low heat or low, depending on your stove, and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes so the flavors combine.
7. Ladle equal amounts into dessert or parfait cups and serve with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich slice. Garnish with a basil leaf, serve and enjoy!

Recipe Riffs & Swaps

Make it Vegan.
Swap goat cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative.

Like it hot?
Add a pinch of smoked paprika, red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a little extra spice.

Garlic boost.
Sauté a couple of sliced garlic cloves in the pot before adding the soup for added flavor.

Flavor Boosters

Finish with Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest on top before serving brightens the flavors and adds contrast to the rich, creamy soup.

Toasted Pine Nuts: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top of the bisque for a nice crunch and nutty flavor that complements the goat cheese.

Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: A few cracks of black pepper will round out the dish.

What To Serve With Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup

Is there anything else to serve with creamy tomato bisque other than a gooey, cheesy grilled cheese sandwich? I think not! For the appetizer-sized portions of soup, I made grilled cheese sandwiches and cut them into slices that fit perfectly in the dessert bowls.

If you’re making this recipe as a meal, serve it alongside a simple mixed green or arugula salad with a light vinaigrette and a glass of crisp white wine. Chef’s kiss!

Troubleshooting Common Problems with this Recipe

Soup is Too Thin. For a thicker consistency, simmer the soup a little longer to reduce or thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. You can try adding a little heavy cream or coconut milk to help.

Goat Cheese Curdles. This hasn’t been a problem for me, but if it is, try taking the pot off the heat before adding the goat cheese and stir frequently until combined. For best results, use room temperature goat cheese.

Too Spicy. Start with just a few drops of the chili oil, taste, and add as you go. I started with 1/2 tsp and added a few extra drops.

Soup is Grainy. If, for some reason, this happens, try blending the soup with an immersion blender, which should help smooth out the soup.

Freezing & Storing Leftovers

Freezing:
Allow the bisque to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Storing:
Store the leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How To Reheat

Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot. Or, pour the soup into a pot and gently warm it up on the stovetop, increasing the heat and stirring slowly until it’s hot.

Ways to Use Leftovers

The best way to use leftover soup is as a creamy tomato pasta sauce. The rich flavors of the soup will make any pasta come to life. Just warm it up and toss in some cooked pasta for an easy and delicious dinner.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. The soup can even taste better after resting for a few hours or overnight as the flavors continue to meld.

Is it possible to use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes. Use about one-third the amount if substituting dried basil.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can. The base ingredients are naturally gluten-free; just double-check that your store-bought soup and chili oil do not contain any added gluten ingredients.

How spicy is the Calabrian chili oil?
It has a moderate heat level with a smoky flavor. You can adjust the amount you use according to your preference. Simply add the oil in slowly, stir and taste.

What other cheeses work well besides goat cheese?
Cream cheese or ricotta cheese are good alternatives that also create a creamy texture.

This time of year is perfect for making my Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque with Goat cheese and Chili Oil. It’s such an easy recipe that it almost feels wrong to call it that. The fresh basil, goat cheese and Calabrian chili oil take this store-bought soup to a new level. This is the perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy appetizer to serve at a holiday party.

If you liked this recipe, you have to try my cozy Apple Cinnamon Bread that can be made as a single loaf or as individual mini loaves if serving at a party! My Boursin Cheese Dip is also an easy and delicious fall app.

Happy Hosting!

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