California Pizza Kitchen’s tomato bisque sticks with you…but trust me, in a GOOD way!
The key to capturing the restaurant-quality depth is using high-quality canned San Marzano tomatoes and a bit of fresh basil at the end.
I like to simmer the soup a little longer than usual—it gives the flavors time to intensify and the consistency to thicken just right.
A quick blend at the end (with an immersion blender, if you have one) makes it incredibly smooth without too much effort.
This soup is sooo good with bread…or of course, pizza!
How to Make California Pizza Kitchen Tomato Bisque
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Onion (chopped)
- 2 Celery Stalks (chopped)
- 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 can Tomatoes (32 oz.)
- 2 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 tsp Sugar
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Fresh Basil (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and celery.
Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes.
Step 2:
Stir in garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add canned tomatoes, including the juice.
Mix well.
Step 3:
Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
Step 4:
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender in batches.
Blend until creamy.
Step 5:
Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream.
Add sugar, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve with fresh basil.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choose the Right Tomatoes
Using canned tomatoes gives a consistent flavor, but feel free to use fresh tomatoes if they’re in season for a fresher taste.
Adding Flavor
I like to add a little sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother taste.
Don’t forget to adjust salt and pepper to your liking as well.
Texture Tip
If you prefer a chunkier soup, don’t blend the soup finely.
You can leave some pieces for a rustic texture that some people find appealing.
Storage Advice
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Soups like this tend to taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions
This bisque pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese sandwich!
Adding some crusty bread can make it a complete meal.
What to Serve with California Pizza Kitchen Tomato Bisque
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Pairing a classic grilled cheese sandwich with tomato bisque is a match made in heaven.
The combination of crunchy, buttery bread with gooey melted cheese complements the rich flavors of the bisque beautifully.
You might even consider adding some avocado or bacon to your grilled cheese for an exciting twist!
Garlic Bread Sticks
Garlic bread sticks are another wonderful side to serve with this tomato bisque.
They are perfect for dipping into the creamy soup and soaking up all that wonderful flavor.
Plus, the garlic aroma adds an enticing touch that pairs nicely with the soup’s tomato base.
Caprese Salad
A refreshing caprese salad can be a lovely contrast to the warmth of the bisque.
The mix of fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves offers a light and tangy bite.
To finish it off, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze that complements the tomato bisque perfectly.
Avocado Toast
Avocado toast might not be the first thing you think of, but it can be a nice companion to your tomato bisque.
The creamy richness of avocado pairs surprisingly well with the soup’s tangy base.
Consider adding a sprinkle of chili flakes or sesame seeds for an added dimension of flavor.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables can add a touch of healthiness to your meal while still being deliciously satisfying.
Think about using seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots drizzled with olive oil.
The caramelization from roasting adds a sweet depth that pairs nicely with the bisque’s savory notes.
Variations and Substitutions
Creaminess Without Dairy
If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, you can easily replace cream with coconut milk.
The coconut adds richness and a unique flavor twist.
Make sure to use full-fat coconut milk for the best consistency!
Protein Boost
Add cooked chicken or tofu to the bisque for some extra protein.
For a fresh twist, try shrimp, which pairs well with the tomato base.
These additions make it a more filling meal!
Spice Things Up
To give your bisque a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
You can also incorporate jalapeños for bold heat.
This brings warmth and depth to each spoonful.
Herb Alternatives
Basil is a classic herb for tomato-based recipes, but don’t shy away from thyme or oregano.
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a bright finish.
Experimenting with herbs can create exciting layers of flavor.
How to Store Leftover Tomato Bisque
Airtight Containers
When you’ve got leftover tomato bisque, an airtight container is your best friend.
Storing it this way helps maintain freshness and flavor for up to three days.
Avoid using flimsy containers that might leak; sturdy ones are key.
Refrigeration Tips
Keep your tomato bisque refrigerated for optimal freshness.
Placing it on the top shelf is ideal since that’s often the coldest spot.
Make sure there’s enough room around the container to allow cool air to circulate.
Storage Duration
It’s vital to consume your leftover bisque within three days.
Beyond this, the flavor might start to fade, and safety could become an issue.
Always give it a sniff test before reheating, just to be sure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-Seasoning
You might be tempted to add extra spices to amp up the flavor, but be careful!
Tomato bisque naturally has rich flavors, so too many seasonings can overpower the dish.
Stick to the basics, and remember the flavors will develop as it simmers.
High Heat Issues
Cooking your bisque on high heat can lead to disaster!
High temperatures may cause the cream or milk to curdle, ruining the texture.
Always keep your heat on medium to low and stir frequently to maintain a smooth consistency.
Ignoring Fresh Ingredients
Fresh ingredients make a big difference, so don’t skip them!
Choosing canned or processed options might save time but impacts taste.
Opt for fresh tomatoes, herbs, and cream for the best results you can have.

California Pizza Kitchen Tomato Bisque Recipe
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Onion chopped
- 2 Celery Stalks chopped
- 3 Garlic Cloves minced
- 1 can Tomatoes 32 oz.
- 2 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 tsp Sugar
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Fresh Basil for garnish
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and celery.
- Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add canned tomatoes, including the juice.
- Mix well.
- Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- If you don't have one, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender in batches.
- Blend until creamy.
- Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream.
- Add sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve with fresh basil.
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