Recipe first published on January 18th, 2010. Last updated on October 22nd, 2015.
Nearly six years ago I wrote this post and since then, it's been one of my most popular post thanks to people searching for "Landmark Spinach Bisque." I feel like it's only right that I'm giving this post new life as I sit in Galesburg, showing Mack my old stomping ground (and visiting nearly all the family). It's going to be a long shot but if you're ever traveled through Galesburg, Illinois- you might have stopped at the Landmark. It's one of the few staple restaurants Galesburg has and if my instagram feed is any indication, a place I go every time I'm home. The food is great and the atmosphere makes you feel like you're not in some small town in the middle of Illinois.
When I first made this bisque, I tried to mimic the bisque from the Landmark but what came out of the recipe was a bisque that was nothing like it but still delicious. If you landed here in hopes of recreating the spinach bisque from the Landmark, there's some good clues in the comments below to get your started. If you're looking for a creamy/cheesy spinach bisque, this recipe is a good a start.
Cheese: I prefer a good sharp cheddar but any quality, good melting cheese will work. I've also been known to toss in a bit of fontina, smoked gouda, or mix (with a bit of shredded asiago thrown in as well).
Milk: When I first started making this recipe, I used half and half. I've since then changed to whole milk but if you're looking for an extra rich treat, use the half and half- you won't be disappointed (but it's rich, that's my warning).
The spinach: I prefer this soup with fresh spinach but in a pinch, you can use frozen. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup.
Creamy bisque loaded with cheese and spinach- a delicious, vegetarian soup perfect for spring or fall.
This looks and sounds delicious!
Wow! My mouth is watering...
[...] bread, cheese, fruit, and wine. There you have my four favorite food groups. So, when I made my Spinach Bisque recipe the last week, I really wanted to up awesomeness of the soup and that was done through bread [...]
Aaaah, it's been many a year since I've been at the Landmark and I have been craving the spinach bisque there since. Come up with a recipe that's similar to Cherry Street's Mud and I will swoon. Swoon and promptly put on 20 pounds.
I can't wait to try this!
You know, I think the recipe for mud is easier than most people think! Galesburg actually has some classic dishes- I have a crepe post coming soon!
I worked at the Landmark for years as a cook, and when I'm in Galesburg I always stop in to see Phil and have the bisque. I had to smile when I read the into to your recipe. Although I can't betray Phil by posting the recipe, I will say that Landmark bisque has both"velveeta" AND half and half. it also has cheddar, parm, chicken base (I prefer"better than boullion") and frozen spinach. No onion, no cornstarch, and no olive oil. Your french version was more accurate than you think. The above recipe looks delicious, but the thickness of Landmark's bisque comes from lots and lots of yummy fatty cheese! Mmmmm, they also have the best cup of coffee in town, and I can't resist their turtle crepe. Yum!
[...] I found a very easy soup recipe that satisfied my craving for spinach: Spinach Bisque. Thank you Naturally Ella for the great [...]
Thank you! I worked at the Macomb Dining Co back in the early 80s. It was started by the same people who owned the Landmark and it seems as though every year during Lent I wish I had this recipe. Can't wait to try it.
Living in Galesburg myself, I love Landmark's Spinach bisque and have tried a couple different recipes for it. Recently, someone told me to use cream cheese instead of Velveeta. I found your recipe, which states "4 cups of cheese your choice" and substituted Weight watchers onion and chive cream cheese. I took it to a work potluck where many people are on diets, and the response was tremendous! I also used fat free half and half. I did wimp out and use frozen spinach instead of raw, but otherwise followed your recipe. The other comment was on how thick the bisque was - I only used 3 cups of chicken broth and let the bisque simmer overnight in a crock pot. This is a keeper! Thank you!
Hi, my boyfriend asked me to make a soup for his work mates and the first thing I thought about is spinich bisque. I was born and live in Australia, but my mum is from Galesburg and I was literally mid sentence about how good the Landmark's bisque is when up popped this site. Thanks for the recipie hope I can do it justice.
From down under.
Hi Erin,
I can't believe I found your recipe and advices from Frosting Lover .... I was an exchange student in Galesburg back in 94 ... and fell in love with the spinach bisque from Landmark ... I tried to get the recipe to go home but fail to convince the owner:-) It's been so long I am dreaming about eating it again such a delicious soup! I can't wait to try out your recipe ... the challenge is gonna be to find the velveeta cheese over in Belgium.
Thank you Erin!
Made this last night and it was delicious! I used vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and it turned out tasty. Thank you for another great recipe.
I lived in Galesburg for a short while, and years later I still miss the Landmark's Spinach Bisque. I'm so glad to have found your recipe!
I just made some spinach bisque...I used butter...and a bit of celery and carrot...fresh thyme and rosemary....bayleaf...and I did add some cream cheese and a sargento's mix of cheddar cheese...I love my additions for depth of flavor...oh and a chicken boullion too ...
Used to live in Galesburg and I crave the Landmark's Spinach Bisque. Now when I visit family the I love to stop by and eat.
Oh my gosh!! I was looking for a recipe similar to the spinach bisque I ate at the Landmark when I used to go to Knox College in Galesburg so many years ago! I couldn't believe it when I saw "Landmark", "Galesburg", and "spinach bisque" in the description! I am so excited to try this; thank you, thank you, thank you!
If you can come up with the Packing House's cinnamon rolls, you'd have everything wonderful about Seminary Street!
I think I actually know the secret behind those and did a riff on them for my upcoming cookbook- so good!
Yum, thanks so much for revisiting an old favorite for us. Wonder if I could get my kids to eat this :).
I love soup. There's nothing better on a cool day. This looks amazing.
My husband would love this. Looks like it could take some hot sauce, too. (That's kind of how we roll around here with soup.)
I made this for myself for dinner last night (My husband and son say they don't like cooked spinach). I'm so glad they didn't want any because now I can eat it all myself. So delicious, and so simple to make. This will be in my bowl often. Thanks so much!
I made this last night for dinner ... absolutely delicious and so easy to make! Thank you for a great recipe. I will definitely make this again.
★★★★
I live outside of Galesburg and made this recipe for our Christmas dinner last night. We are big fans of the Landmark, but we're vegetarian and sadly learned a few years ago that their
I live to block from the landmark yet here I stand making spinach bisque. I took your recipe, used half and half, threw in some Velveeta and parmesan and it is amazing how close it comes to the landmark.
WITHOUT QUESTION- best spinach bisque EVER!!! I've traveled from Peoria to Galesburg many times, just for the bisque!! made mine according to recipe and it turned out well/ thanks
Thanks for posting this! I live in Austin now but I am from Galesburg and miss the Landmark!
O.M.G. I just got back from Galesburg. I had the spinach bisque Saturday night after the excellent concert by the Knox-Galesburg Symphony, and I can't stop thinking about it! I dreamed about it last night! So to be able to go online and find a recipe for it is sheer heaven! I can't wait to go back to Galesburg and try some more of the excellent food at the Landmark. Next up will be the Turtle crepe. A friend had it, and it looked DELICIOUS! Thank you for posting this recipe and the comments!
You've nailed it. Having lived in Galesburg, while owning a natural foods store across the street from The Landmark, I too have tried to replicate their spinach bisque over the years, never with your success. I did add 1/4 tsp fresh grated nutmeg (I can never wilt spinach without it) and 1/8 tsp cayenne (just because).
★★★★
I know your store. My parents owned The Steak House on Henderson from the late 70s thru early 90s. My mom, Jan, as everyone knew her, was the greatest hostess, ever.
The Landmark is my absolute favorite restaurant (try the Ritz sandwich when you're there next!) and I always order the spinach bisque. So happy to find the recipe!
I just made this with My Gluten Free Flour,My Non dairy "added a few things and it is AMAZING!!! I Thank You, when My Family is eating Spinach Bisque on Christmas Eve..I will be eating mine!! I too have had The Landmark's...being from Monmouth!!!
We're from the QC but whenever we are in Galesburg a stop at the Landmark is always in order. Tonight we were talking about a friend who used to live there who told about their spinach bisque, which is why we first tried it. I decided to look for a recipe--imagine my shock to find this site! Looking forward to trying this version. Thank you!
Can this be made a day ahead? Also, would this work well in a crock pot?
While this receipe looks delicious, I sadly can not try it as I'm allergic to dairy. I stumbled upon it while googling "vegan spinach bisque" after craving Landmark's bisque.
I know you originally posted this 10 years ago, but can I make a suggestion to change to the recipe description to "vegetarian" instead of "vegan"?
Yikes- apologies, that definitely should not have said vegan! All fixed.
I am from Galesburg too and now living in Colorado. On this cold day, I started dreaming of spinach bisque! What a great surprise to find your recipe at the top of the list. Yummm
★★★★★
Landmark uses Velveeta cheese and frozen spinach 🧀 Just a tip!
I have to laugh. I'm in Galesburg googling a non specific spinach bisque recipe and the first thing that comes up is about the Landmark. They deserve the credit. It really is wonderful. I don't eat out very often but when I do it is often there.