Our Best Bisque Recipes

Garlicky Cheddar Cheese Bisque

I came up with a cheddar cheese soup a while ago and decided to give it a boost with a variety of root vegetables. Crushed pita chips and fresh parsley make fun garnishes. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania

Creamy Seafood Bisque

This deceptively simple bisque makes a special first course or even a casual meal with a salad or bread. I like to top bowls with shredded Parmesan cheese and green onions. —Wanda Allende, Orlando, Florida

Pumpkin-Coconut Soup

Thai food lovers will go crazy for this soup. It has a deep flavor from the combination of onion, coconut milk and spices. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

Parsnip & Celery Root Bisque

Here’s a simple yet elegant soup for fall and winter. Everyone enjoys the smooth texture and earthy veggies. For a colorful garnish, sprinkle on chives and pomegranate seeds.—Merry Graham, Newhall, California

Smoky & Spicy Vegetable Bisque

I like to serve this soup with a side of bruschetta or a caprese salad to make a complete meal. It is also suitable as a first course. Adjust the amount of chipotle pepper to make it more or less spicy, depending on your preference.—Juliana Inhofer, Rocklin, California

Sweet Potato and Crab Soup

This sweet and savory soup is quick and easy to prepare. You can substitute butternut squash or pumpkin for the sweet potatoes, depending on what you have on hand. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

Autumn Bisque

I like cozy comfort soups that taste creamy—without the cream. This one’s full of good stuff like rutabagas, leeks, fresh herbs and almond milk. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California

Asparagus Soup with Lemon Creme Fraiche

A fresh and easy asparagus soup, pureed until it's smooth, is a definite winner. Serve it warm or chilled depending on the weather.—Fern Vitense, Tipton, Iowa

Carrot Soup with Orange & Tarragon

A pretty orange color, a delicious hint of citrus and a garden-fresh flavor make this soup a requested dish at my many celebrations. Try sprinkling individual bowls with fresh tarragon before serving. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas

Beer-Cheese Velvet Soup

This soup was a hit with a group of German exchange teachers who visited our high school. When I don't use bread bowls, I usually serve it with soft pretzels or crusty bread. And it's also an even bigger treat with slices of cooked bratwurst or kielbasa stirred into it. —Paula Zsiray, Logan, Utah

Elegant Seafood Bisque

Creamy bisque is elegant enough for sit-down dinners yet hearty enough for casual gatherings.—Mike Payne, Hixson, Tennessee

Cheddar Pear Soup

Pears and sharp cheddar have always been one of my favorite flavor combos. This recipe brings the two together in a creamy, delicious soup. I like to serve it with a warm baguette and fresh fruit for lunch or a light supper. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Pumpkin Bisque with Smoked Gouda

I love the smell of this rich, cheesy soup as it bubbles on the stove. The Gouda cheese adds a delightful smokiness that just says autumn to me.—Kerry Dingwall, Ponte Vedra, Florida

Roasted Cauliflower & Red Pepper Soup

When cooler weather comes, soup is one of our favorite meals. I developed this recipe for my husband and me. I wanted it to be a healthier version of all the cream-based soups out there. After a bit of trial and error, this is the keeper. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington

Seafood Bisque

We live on the Gulf Coast, where fresh seafood is plentiful. I adapted several recipes to come up with this rich bisque. It's great as a first course or an entree, and it can be made with just shrimp or crabmeat. —Pat Edwards, Dauphin Island, Alabama

Carrot-Parsnip Bisque

Warm and comforting, this delicious soup makes a pretty presentation. Easy to prepare, it's a treat to serve for family dinners and special enough for guests. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida

Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Soup

I love that I can top this creamy soup with anything my heart desires, which means I can eat it several days in a row without ever having to have it the same way twice. You can substitute fresh onions and celery in this recipe if you prefer, but using the dried version makes it easy to throw together on a weekday morning. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Ginger Butternut Squash Bisque

This soup is filling enough for my husband, and it’s vegetarian, which I love. The couple who introduced us made it for us on a freezing night and we’ve been hooked ever since. —Cara McDonald, Winter Park, Colorado

Sweet Potato Bisque

I love to serve this bright orange, sweet potato bisque for special occasions in fall and winter. The recipe includes a minted chili oil to drizzle on top. It's well worth the few extra minutes it takes to make! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia