Orange Tomato Bisque Soup

Orange Tomato Bisque Soup is delightfully fresh yet comforting. Smooth and silky with simple ingredients that will make this your favorite tomato soup.

Perfect tomato soup is hard to come by. Perfect as in “this will be the only tomato soup I ever need” is near impossible. This Orange Tomato Bisque Soup combines simple ingredients and an easy, quick process to give you the best soup you’re craving in next to no time.

I first tried a version of orange tomato soup at a local restaurant, Localz Bistro, here in Utah. Their version has since been taste-tested next to mine and my tester say mine is brighter and fresher tasting. In searching for a version that met my high expectations, I came across a recipe from Elephants Deli and this one really fit the bill. They have locations in Oregon and since I can’t “jet over to Elephants”, I’d like to give a “thanks!” to them for sharing this upgrade on a simple classic.

Why You’ll Love This Orange Tomato Bisque Soup

• Bright, unexpected flavor: This isn’t your typical tomato soup. Fresh orange juice adds a sunny citrus note that lifts the tomatoes and creates a beautifully balanced bisque with just the right touch of sweetness and tang.

• Creamy and comforting: A splash of heavy cream transforms pantry staples into a smooth, velvety soup. It feels cozy yet elegant and is perfect for dipping crusty bread or pairing with grilled cheese.

• Simple ingredients, big payoff: Canned tomatoes, onion, butter, and a few seasonings come together quickly. Baking soda helps tame acidity, while the sieve step delivers that restaurant-quality texture.

• Surprisingly quick: From start to finish, this soup is ready in about 30 minutes. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, cozy lunches, or a simple meatless main dish.

• Easy to customize: Add more orange juice for extra brightness, drizzle cream for richness, or finish with olive oil and cracked pepper. This soup works beautifully for dinner guests or a casual night at home.

What Is the Difference Between Bisque and Soup?

Although the title uses both bisque and soup, this recipe is technically a bisque. Bisque always includes cream or milk, which gives it a thicker, more luxurious texture than broth-based soups. While bisque is a type of soup, not all soups qualify as bisque.

Traditionally, bisque is made with seafood. However, vegetable bisques are absolutely delicious, and Orange Tomato Bisque is proof of that.

You can make this recipe without cream, and it’s still wonderful. That said, I love how the cream enhances the velvety texture. If you skip it, simply call it Orange Tomato Soup instead. 🙂

The recipe can be made without adding cream and it’s wonderful though I prefer how the cream adds to the velvety texture- Just make sure to call it Orange Tomato Soup if you leave it out. 😀

Ingredients in Orange Tomato Bisque Soup-

Canned tomatoes, butter, onion, thyme, salt and pepper, baking soda (yes, really), cream or half and half (not pictured), and of course, fresh squeezed orange juice.

How do you make Orange Tomato Bisque Soup?

First, soften a small amount of onion in butter. Add canned diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, thyme, and a pinch of baking soda. That tiny bit of baking soda works wonders. It mellows the acidity and removes the “canned tomato” taste that can sometimes come through. Let everything simmer until slightly thickened, about 15–20 minutes.

Next, transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. I prefer a blender because it creates a smoother texture. Blend until completely smooth.

Then, strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve as you return it to the saucepan. This step removes tomato skins and fibers, creating the silky texture that makes this soup so comforting.

Now it’s time for the orange juice. The recipe calls for up to one cup, but I like to start with about ½ cup. Taste and add more as needed. You want to notice the orange without overpowering the tomato flavor. At this point, the soup is delicious as-is. However, for that extra touch of luxury, I highly recommend adding the cream.

Before serving, adding a little more cream and fresh ground pepper make for a pretty presentation. You could also add a drizzle of olive oil with or without the cream.

Storage and Freezing

Orange Tomato Bisque Soup keeps well in the refrigerator for three to four days. If you’d like to freeze it, the soup holds beautifully for up to one month. That said, it’s so quick and easy to make fresh that freezing may not even be necessary.

Substitutions

• Butter: Swap in olive oil for a lighter, dairy-free base. The soup will be slightly less rich.

• Orange juice: Fresh-squeezed offers the brightest flavor, but bottled 100% orange juice works well. Blood orange juice adds deeper color and subtle berry notes.

• Heavy cream: Use half-and-half for a lighter bisque, or skip it entirely for a dairy-free version.

• Thyme: Dried thyme is classic, but basil or oregano also pair beautifully with tomatoes.

• Canned tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky depth that complements the citrus.

What to serve with Orange Tomato Bisque Soup-

The recipe makes about four cups so it’s a great side or sandwich accompaniment for four people, or a nice hearty serving for two. Pair with classic grilled cheese sandwiches, or a green salad for a light lunch. Other recipes that go very well with Orange Tomato Bisque are Vegetable Macaroni and Cheese, Quiche, or Pasta Salad with Burrata.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead?
Yes! This bisque reheats beautifully. After warming, add a splash of cream or broth if needed, as it thickens when chilled.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, but freeze it before adding the cream. Thaw, reheat gently, and stir in the cream just before serving.

What does the baking soda do?
A small pinch reduces acidity in the tomatoes, creating a smoother, rounder flavor without adding sugar.

Do I have to strain the soup?
Technically, no. However, straining removes seeds and pulp and gives the soup a silky, restaurant-style texture.

Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Absolutely. Use 4–5 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes and simmer a bit longer to achieve the right thickness.

Whatever you pair it with, I hope you enjoy this soup as much as my family and I do. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good dinner.

This Orange Tomato Bisque is one of those go-to soups you’ll reach for when you want something simple, bright, and comforting. It feels special without any fuss, uses ingredients you likely have on hand, and pairs beautifully with everything from crusty bread to a classic grilled cheese. Enjoy every cozy spoonful.

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5 from 5 votes

Orange Tomato Bisque Soup

Orange Tomato Bisque Soup is smooth, creamy, and full of bright tomato flavor with a subtle hint of fresh orange juice. Made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in about 30 minutes, this cozy bisque feels special enough for guests but easy enough for any night of the week. Perfect for serving with crusty bread or a classic grilled cheese.

Course Meatless Main Dish, Side Dish or Vegetarian Main Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4 cups

Calories 337

Author Sally Humeniuk

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• ½ cup butter (1 stick)
• ¼ cup yellow onion diced
• 2 14 ½ oz. cans diced tomatoes
• 1 ½ tsp salt more or less to taste
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 cup orange juice fresh squeezed is best
• ½ cup heavy cream plus more to drizzle
• olive oil to drizzle on top (optional)

Instructions

• Melt the butter in a medium saucepan and add the onion. Saute until onion is translucent. Add canned tomatoes, salt, baking soda, and thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes until the mixture has thickened. During this time the tomatoes will break down and release their juices.
  ½ cup butter, ¼ cup yellow onion, 2 14 ½ oz. cans diced tomatoes, 1 ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp dried thyme
• Puree in a food processor or blender and strain back into the saucepan through a fine mesh sieve. This removes chunks and seeds from the tomatoes, etc. to result in a silky texture, so I wouldn't skip it.
• Add about half of the orange juice and taste. You want to be able to taste the orange juice by don't want it overpowering. Add more to your liking. (You can serve it at this point if you don't want to add the cream.)
  1 cup orange juice
• Add the heavy cream and heat gently but don't boil. Add more salt and pepper if desired. Once the soup has been dished up, extra cream and/or olive oil may be drizzled on top. More black pepper may be added to topping as well.
  ½ cup heavy cream, olive oil
• Serve with crusty buttered bread or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Equipment

Food processor or blender

Fine mesh sieve

Medium saucepan

Notes

1. If the cream, when drizzled at serving, doesn't stay on top, then the soup wasn't thickened enough in first step.
2. This serves 4 people as a side or a cup with a sandwich. Serves 2 people as a vegetarian main dish.

Nutrition Facts

Orange Tomato Bisque Soup

Amount Per Serving

Calories 337 Calories from Fat 306

% Daily Value*

Fat 34g52%

Saturated Fat 21g131%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 9g

Cholesterol 95mg32%

Sodium 1132mg49%

Potassium 176mg5%

Carbohydrates 8g3%

Fiber 0.3g1%

Sugar 7g8%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 1280IU26%

Vitamin C 32mg39%

Calcium 39mg4%

Iron 0.3mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.