Soups & Stews
This Progresso soup and biscuits recipe brings back the comforting flavors of home-cooked meals that taste like they came straight from Grandma's kitchen. The creamy tomato bisque simmers with rich, velvety texture while the buttery biscuits deliver that perfect flaky, golden crust—just like the classic diner pairing you love.
I've perfected this combination over years of testing, ensuring every spoonful delivers that nostalgic warmth.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—no fancy techniques required. The soup starts with a smooth canned base (like Progresso's tomato bisque) that you'll enrich with fresh herbs and a touch of cream for that extra-luxurious feel.
Meanwhile, the biscuits come together in under 30 minutes with just five ingredients, baked to golden perfection. Together, they create a meal that's both hearty and comforting, perfect for chilly evenings or lazy Sundays.
What you'll end up with is a steaming bowl of creamy tomato bisque, its rich color and velvety texture inviting you to take that first spoonful. The biscuits, warm and flaky, cut through the soup's creaminess with every bite, creating a balance that's pure comfort food magic.
The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the table, and the taste? Well, that's the kind of meal that disappears faster than you can say "seconds, please."
This recipe works beautifully for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy night in. The biscuits can be made ahead and reheated, so you can focus on enjoying the moment rather than standing at the stove. Here's how to bring this classic comfort meal to life in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for progresso soup and biscuits
Creamy tomato bisque and buttery biscuits—just eight ingredients for pure comfort.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Progresso Tomato Bisque (Canned) 🍅 | 2 cans | 28 oz can each, unsalted preferred |
| Heavy Cream 🥛 | ½ cup | Full-fat for best texture |
| Fresh Basil Leaves 🌿 | ¼ cup | Chopped, stems removed |
| Fresh Parsley Leaves 🌿 | ⅛ cup | Chopped, for garnish |
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | 2 cups | Sifted for biscuits |
| Baking Powder 🍞 | 2 tbsp | Double-acting preferred |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Kosher or sea salt |
| Cold Unsalted Butter 🧈 | ½ cup | Cubed, not melted |
| Whole Milk 🥛 | ½ cup | Cold for biscuits |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 2 cloves | Minced for soup |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground |
The canned bisque is your shortcut to velvety texture, but Progresso's unsalted version is key—it lets you control the seasoning. I grab mine from Walmart or Kroger since they always stock it. For the herbs, fresh basil and parsley make all the difference—Trader Joe's has great small bunches that last a week. The butter for biscuits? Land O'Lakes unsalted is my go-to, but any cold, firm butter works. Pro tip: don't skip the cold milk—it keeps those biscuits flaky. The garlic? Freshly minced adds depth the jarred stuff can't match.
No fresh basil? Dried oregano at half the amount works in a pinch, but you'll miss that fresh brightness. Short on milk? Heavy cream thinned with water gets you close. The biscuits can handle a pinch of extra salt if yours is unsalted butter, but taste before baking. For the soup, chicken broth instead of water when thinning adds richness. Want extra creaminess? Add 2 tbsp sour cream at the end—trust me, it's worth it. And if you're making this ahead, the biscuits freeze beautifully (just reheat in a toaster).
Make the biscuits first—they'll rest while you heat the soup. Store leftovers in airtight containers for 3 days, but honestly, this tastes even better reheated. The biscuits? Wrap in foil and freeze for 3 months—just thaw overnight before reheating. Soup reheats best on low heat, stirring often. Double the biscuits if you're feeding a crowd—they disappear fast. And save those herb stems! Toss them in the pot with the garlic for extra flavor (just fish them out before serving).
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Pantry Magic: I swear by this recipe when I forget to meal prep. Three ingredients from your pantry—that can of tomato bisque, heavy cream, and flour—and you’ve got dinner. No chopping, no stress, just warm, creamy comfort.
- Herb-Packed Punch: The basil and parsley transform that canned soup into something ridiculously fresh. A handful of leaves, torn right off the stem, brightens every spoonful—like a little burst of summer in a bowl.
- Budget Dinner: A can of soup, a cup of cream, and a bag of flour? That’s $5 max. Leftovers reheat beautifully, and the biscuits freeze like a dream. My wallet and my freezer thank me every time.
Step-by-step instructions for creamy tomato bisque with buttery biscuits
Here's how to craft a velvety tomato bisque paired with flaky biscuits—rich, comforting, and perfect for chilly days.
Prepare the Creamy Tomato Bisque Base
Open the 2 cans of Progresso Tomato Bisque and pour them into a medium saucepan. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the soup to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. I like to let it warm through for about 5 minutes—just until it's fully heated and steaming.
While the soup heats, use a small knife to mince the 2 cloves of garlic. Add the garlic to the simmering soup and stir for 1 minute until fragrant. This step infuses the bisque with subtle garlic flavor without overpowering it. Keep the heat at medium-low to prevent the garlic from burning—you're aiming for aroma, not color.
Once the garlic is fragrant, reduce the heat to low and stir in the 0.5 cup heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. The soup should coat the back of a spoon with a velvety texture—this is your creamy promise fulfilled. Taste and adjust seasoning with 0.5 teaspoon black pepper if needed.
Finish the Bisque with Fresh Herbs
While the bisque simmers, chop the 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves and 0.125 cup fresh parsley leaves finely. I like to use a sharp chef's knife for this—it gives you better control than a food processor. Add the chopped herbs to the bisque and stir gently for 1 minute to distribute them evenly. The herbs will brighten the rich tomato flavor and add a fresh finish.
Let the bisque sit off the heat for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting period ensures the herbs release their oils and the soup reaches its full potential. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the bisque through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any herb stems or bits of garlic.
Make the Buttery Biscuits
In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. This dry mixture is the foundation of your biscuits, so make sure it's evenly combined—no lumps should remain. I like to use a whisk for this step to ensure the baking powder is fully distributed.
Cut the 0.5 cup cold unsalted butter into small cubes and add them to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces still visible. This texture is crucial—it creates flaky layers when baked. If the mixture feels too dry, add 1 tablespoon of the 0.5 cup whole milk at a time until it just comes together.
Assemble and Bake the Biscuits
Pour the 0.5 cup whole milk into the bowl with the butter-flour mixture and stir gently with a fork until just combined. The dough should hold together when pressed but not be sticky. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it 2-3 times—just enough to bring it together. Don't overwork it, or the biscuits will turn out tough.
Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle and cut it into 4 equal squares using a sharp knife or biscuit cutter. Place the biscuits 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 425°F while you prepare the biscuits—this high heat ensures a golden, crispy top.
Bake the biscuits for 12-15 minutes until they're golden brown on top and the edges look set. The biscuits should pull away from the sides of the pan slightly, indicating they're fully baked. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the creamy tomato bisque into bowls and place 1 biscuit on top of each serving. The warm, buttery biscuit contrasts beautifully with the smooth, velvety bisque. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve immediately while the biscuits are still warm and flaky. The combination of the rich, creamy bisque and the buttery, flaky biscuits makes this dish a true comfort food winner. Pair it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal that's perfect for any day.
Pro Tips For Making Progresso Soup And Biscuits
- Warm the cream first: Dump cold heavy cream straight into the hot bisque and you’ll end up with a soup that looks like cottage cheese curds. Instead, heat the cream in a separate small saucepan until it’s just steaming—about 2 minutes on medium. Then whisk it into the soup in a slow, steady stream. This keeps the soup smooth and prevents that dreaded grainy texture.
- Pulse basil, don’t chop: I used to hack basil leaves with a knife like I was in a hurry, and half the time they’d turn to mush in the soup. Now I pulse them in a food processor for 2 seconds—just enough to soften the edges without turning them into green sludge. Same goes for parsley, but give it a 1-second pulse at most.
- Don’t skip the flour rest: Mixing the biscuit dough and rolling it out immediately is how you end up with tough, dry biscuits. After combining flour, butter, and buttermilk, let the dough rest for 10 minutes. This relaxes the gluten, and when you cut those biscuits, they’ll rise higher and stay tender. (Yes, even if you’re impatient like me.)
- Simmer, don’t boil: The second you add the heavy cream to the bisque, turn the heat down to low and let it barely simmer. Boiling will scorch the cream and make the soup taste like a science experiment gone wrong. A gentle simmer keeps the flavors smooth and the texture velvety—no burnt notes, just rich tomato and cream goodness.
Essential equipment for this recipe
Soup Essentials
Start with a medium saucepan—I prefer Calphalon stainless steel for even heat distribution. A wooden spoon helps prevent scratching while stirring the bisque. For flavor infusion, a small knife and microplane are perfect for mincing 2 cloves garlic and zesting citrus if you're adding it.
A fine-mesh strainer removes herb stems for a smoother texture if you prefer it that way. 🌡️
Biscuit Tools
Your biscuit game needs a pastry cutter (or two forks) to cut ½ cup cold butter into 2 cups flour for those signature flaky layers. A sharp chef's knife or biscuit cutter ensures clean cuts through the dough.
I use a lightly floured surface (like a marble slab) to prevent sticking. For baking, a parchment-lined baking sheet keeps biscuits from sticking, and a wire cooling rack prevents soggy bottoms. 🧈
Heat Control
A high-quality oven thermometer ensures your oven hits 425°F accurately—critical for golden, flaky biscuits. For the soup, medium-low heat on your stovetop prevents scorching while warming the Progresso tomato bisque.
I rely on Oster's digital thermometer to monitor both stove and oven temps precisely. A timer (set for 12-15 minutes) prevents overbaking those biscuits. ⏰
Garnish & Serve
Fresh herbs need a sharp chef's knife or herb scissors for chopping ¼ cup basil and ⅛ cup parsley. A ladle (I use Oxo Good Grips) for serving soup and a small plate for biscuits keeps everything organized.
For extra flair, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or red pepper flakes adds finishing touches. A serving tray with individual bowls elevates presentation. 🌿
Storage Solutions
Leftovers deserve airtight containers—I use Pyrex glass for soup and foil-wrapped biscuits for reheating. A microwave-safe bowl (like Rubbermaid) for quick reheats, and a toaster oven for crisping up biscuits.
For long-term storage, freezer bags (with excess air squeezed out) preserve biscuits for 3 months, while glass jars keep soup fresh for 4 days. ❄️
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I use any Progresso soup flavor for this recipe?
While this recipe is designed for tomato bisque, you can absolutely adapt it to other Progresso flavors! Creamy varieties like cream of mushroom or chicken noodle work beautifully with the same biscuit recipe. For chunky soups (like Italian wedding), you might want to strain them first for smoother texture. The biscuits pair especially well with rich, creamy soups.
Why are my biscuits coming out dense instead of flaky?
Flaky biscuits require cold butter and minimal handling. Overworking the dough or using warm butter creates steam that evaporates during baking, leading to dense results. Keep everything chilled, work quickly, and avoid pressing down on the biscuits when cutting. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh—old powder loses its lift.
Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?
Yes! Biscuits freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container for 2-3 days. They also reheat well in a toaster or microwave (covered with a damp paper towel).
What's the best way to reheat the soup?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent skin formation. Stir frequently and add a splash of milk or water if it thickens too much. For microwave reheating, cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Never reheat to boiling—this can make the soup grainy.
Can I substitute the canned soup with homemade?
A homemade tomato bisque works perfectly—just ensure it's properly seasoned and has a similar creaminess. For a quick version, simmer 4 cups crushed tomatoes with 2 cups broth, 1 tsp sugar, and ½ tsp salt until thickened. Strain if you prefer a smoother texture. The biscuit recipe remains unchanged!
