Name: Smoked Gouda and Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Bisque Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 – 14.5 ounce cans fire roasted tomatoes; 12 ounce jar roasted red peppers; 3 cups chicken stock; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 1½ teaspoons sea salt; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 large cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons butter; 8 ounces smoked Gouda cheese, shredded; ½ cup heavy cream; Keto croutons, for serving; Fresh basil, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 62 reviews

If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that’s both sophisticated and cozy, the Smoked Gouda and Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Bisque Recipe is exactly what you need. This luscious bisque blends the smoky creaminess of gouda with the vibrant sweetness of fire-roasted tomatoes and red peppers, creating a velvety soup that warms your soul and delights your taste buds. Whether served for a simple weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into an unforgettable dining experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl with soft peeled roasted red peppers, showing bright red color and slightly wrinkled texture, placed near a white bowl of chunky tomato sauce with visible small pieces of tomato and olives, a clear glass measuring cup with golden yellow liquid broth, a white bowl filled with chopped white onions, a larger white bowl with a mound of shredded pale yellow cheese, small white and wooden bowls containing various spices like black pepper and salt, a few peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl with tomato paste, and a small bowl with slices of butter, all arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic in this Smoked Gouda and Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Bisque Recipe lies in its beautifully simple ingredients. Each item builds on the last to contribute layers of flavor, texture, and color, from the rich smokiness of the gouda to the brightness of fresh herbs and the creaminess of heavy cream.

Fire roasted tomatoes (2 cans, 14.5 oz each): These add a deep, slightly charred tomato flavor that forms a perfect bisque base.
Jar roasted red peppers (12 oz): Their sweetness and smokiness complement the tomatoes and deepen the soup’s complexity.
Chicken stock (3 cups): A flavorful liquid that helps marry all the ingredients perfectly.
Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds richness.
Dried basil (2 tsp): Offers a classic herbaceous note that brightens the bisque.
Sea salt (1½ tsp): Enhances and balances all the flavors.
Dried oregano (1 tsp): Provides an earthy, slightly peppery underpinning.
Black pepper (½ tsp): Adds gentle warmth and spice.
Medium onion (1, diced): Gives sweetness and softness after sautéing.
Garlic cloves (3, minced): Bring aromatic depth and subtle pungency.
Butter (3 tbsp): Used for sautéing, contributing a creamy richness.
Smoked Gouda cheese (8 oz, shredded): This star ingredient melts smoothly to give a smoky, creamy finish.
Heavy cream (½ cup): Adds silky texture and mellows the acidity of the tomatoes.
Keto Croutons: For a crunchy topping (recipe available in my exclusive Patreon group).
Fresh basil: Perfect for a vibrant, fresh garnish that complements the bisque.

How to Make Smoked Gouda and Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Bisque Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Base

Start off by heating your slow cooker on a low setting, ready to build flavor slowly while you get other things prepared. Add the fire-roasted tomatoes, roasted red peppers, chicken stock, tomato paste, basil, sea salt, oregano, and black pepper straight into the slow cooker. Each of these ingredients combines to create a robust base with depth and nuance for the soup.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

While your slow cooker is warming up, take a medium sauté pan and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, and cook them gently until the onions turn soft and translucent, which usually takes around 10 minutes. This step is essential because the softened onions and garlic bring a mellow sweetness and full aroma, setting a flavorful foundation.

Step 3: Combine and Slow Cook

Once your onions and garlic are ready, stir them into the slow cooker, cover it, and let everything cook on low for 4 hours. This slow simmer allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, coaxing out the deepest flavors and perfect tenderness for the bisque.

Step 4: Puree the Soup

After 4 hours of cooking, it’s time to give your bisque that silky smooth texture it deserves. Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a high-powered blender or use an immersion blender right in the slow cooker to puree until completely smooth. This step transforms all those cooked veggies and spices into a velvety canvas for the smoked gouda.

Step 5: Add Cream and Smoked Gouda

Pour the pureed soup back into the slow cooker. Stir in the heavy cream and generous shredded smoked gouda, cover, and cook for one more hour. This final cooking stage allows the cheese to melt perfectly, infusing the bisque with a signature smoky creaminess that makes this recipe unforgettable.

Step 6: Alternative Stovetop Method

If you prefer the stovetop approach, melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, then sauté onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add tomato paste, basil, salt, oregano, and pepper; sauté for 5 minutes. Deglaze with half a cup of chicken stock, scraping the pan’s bottom for flavor. Add the fire-roasted tomatoes, red peppers, and remaining stock. Boil, then simmer 30 minutes. Puree the mixture with an immersion blender until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and smoked gouda; simmer 15 minutes. Adjust seasoning before serving.

How to Serve Smoked Gouda and Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Bisque Recipe

Two white bowls filled with thick, bright orange tomato soup are placed on a white marbled surface. Each bowl has a swirl of cream lightly mixed into the soup, topped with golden-brown crispy pieces and fresh green basil leaves. Nearby, three small white bowls hold red pepper flakes, crispy pieces, and grated cheese, arranged neatly. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered around the bowls, adding color and freshness. Two silver spoons rest on a light grey cloth on the right side of the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A bowl of this bisque just begs to be topped with fresh basil leaves for that bright, herbaceous touch. For an extra bit of texture, adding homemade keto croutons or a drizzle of cream can elevate your presentation and take every spoonful to the next level of indulgence.

Side Dishes

This bisque pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or a light salad to balance its richness. A crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette can refresh the palate, making your meal feel complete and perfectly harmonious.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Smoked Gouda and Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Bisque Recipe in rustic soup crocks or elegant cups for parties. For a fun twist, fill mini bread bowls with the bisque or swirl in a pesto drizzle for a pop of color and herb flavor. These small details make the experience more memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This bisque actually tastes better the next day, as all the flavors continue to marry. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Before serving, give it a good stir as the cheese may settle on the bottom.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to three months, but make sure to cool it completely first. Place the bisque in freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating slowly.

Reheating

Warm the bisque gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If it thickens too much, add a splash of chicken stock or cream to bring it back to the perfect velvety consistency.

FAQs

Can I make this bisque vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken stock with vegetable broth, and the bisque will still be rich and flavorful with all the smoky gouda and roasted pepper goodness.

Is smoked gouda hard to find?

Many grocery stores carry smoked gouda in their cheese section, often near other specialty cheeses. You can also find it at deli counters or order online if needed.

Can I use fresh roasted red peppers instead of jarred?

Yes, fresh roasted red peppers work perfectly. Just roast them yourself at home, peel the skins off, and chop before adding to the recipe. This gives you an extra layer of freshness and flavor.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

The stovetop method works beautifully and requires no special equipment. Just simmer everything in a heavy pot or Dutch oven and follow the steps outlined for stovetop preparation.

How can I make the bisque thicker?

To thicken, simmer the soup uncovered longer to reduce the liquid, or add a bit more tomato paste or even a small potato during cooking to naturally thicken the broth before pureeing.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you fall in love with the Smoked Gouda and Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Bisque Recipe as much as I have. It’s the perfect blend of smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors that can turn any day into a special occasion. Give it a try, share it with friends, and savor every comforting spoonful!