If you’ve ever longed for a restaurant-worthy soup that you can whip up in your own kitchen, look no further than this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque. Each spoonful is lusciously creamy and brimming with delicate seafood flavor—think sweet lumps of crab, tender pieces of shrimp, and that unmistakable buttery, herby aroma. This bisque will transform any meal into something special, whether you’re celebrating with friends or just treating yourself on a weeknight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple yet crucial ingredients come together to create such a decadent Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque. Every item here plays an important role, layering richness, sweetness, and a gentle kick that keeps you coming back for more.

Unsalted Butter: Gives the bisque its signature richness and helps sauté the veggies to perfection.
Olive Oil: Adds another silkiness and prevents the butter from burning.
Onion: Finely diced onion brings subtle sweetness and a flavor foundation to the soup.
Celery: Lends freshness and a little bite that balances out the creamy base.
Garlic: Two cloves offer a gentle pungency that mingles beautifully with the seafood.
All-Purpose Flour: This is your thickener; it makes the bisque velvety without being heavy.
Dry White Wine: Adds brightness and a splash of acidity to lift the flavors.
Seafood or Chicken Broth: The backbone of your soup, delivering savory depth with every spoonful.
Heavy Cream: Provides the luxurious creaminess Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is known for.
Whole Milk: Lightens things up slightly so the bisque stays smooth—not overly dense.
Old Bay Seasoning: A hint of classic spice that just belongs with seafood.
Cayenne Pepper (optional): For those who love a little heat, don’t skip this!
Salt: A simple seasoning that ties all the flavors together.
Black Pepper: A gentle kick of warmth at the finish.
Lump Crab Meat: Make sure to pick over for shells; you want every bite to be tender and rich.
Shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and chopped for maximum sweetness and flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled for a pop of color and freshness.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed to brighten the whole dish right at the end.

How to Make Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating butter and olive oil in your favorite large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Pop in the finely diced onion and celery, and sauté until they’re lovely and soft—about five minutes. This slow-and-steady step builds a sweet, savory base that will make your Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque absolutely irresistible.

Step 2: Add the Garlic and Make a Roux

When the veggies are tender, stir in your minced garlic, letting it sizzle gently for just a minute. Next, sprinkle in the flour. Keep stirring—this forms a light roux that thickens your bisque while staying pale and delicate. Give it another minute or two, just until it smells nutty but looks barely golden.

Step 3: Deglaze with White Wine

Slowly pour in the dry white wine, stirring as the liquid loosens any flavorful bits from the bottom of your pot. Let the wine reduce for a couple of minutes—a little patience here gives the bisque a subtle tang and depth you’ll really taste.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Base

Gradually whisk in your seafood or chicken broth until the mixture turns smooth and silky. Stir in the heavy cream, whole milk, Old Bay seasoning, cayenne (if you like a kick), salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, and give it 10–12 minutes to meld together, stirring occasionally. This is where the magic happens!

Step 5: Add the Seafood

Carefully add the chopped shrimp, letting them cook for 3–4 minutes until they turn gloriously pink and opaque. Stir in the crab meat, making sure to distribute it evenly. Simmer just a few minutes more, so the crab gets heated through without losing its sweetness.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon and Parsley

Once everything’s perfectly cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice to make the flavors pop, and finish with a generous sprinkle of parsley. Your Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is now ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Garnishes

To truly elevate your Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque, don’t forget an extra flurry of chopped fresh parsley or a few chives for color. If you’re feeling fancy, a swirl of cream or a light drizzle of sherry right before serving looks—and tastes—incredible. A sprinkling of freshly cracked black pepper or a few tiny lemon zest curls will make every bowl look and smell inviting.

Side Dishes

This velvety bisque is just begging to be paired with a warm, crusty baguette or some classic oyster crackers—perfect for soaking up every last bit. For something heartier, serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a lemony vinaigrette, or enjoy it as a decadent starter before your favorite seafood entrée.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle your Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque into small cups or mugs for a chic appetizer at dinner parties. For a seafood feast, go for dramatic wide bowls topped with extra seafood and a microgreen garnish. If you really want to wow your guests, serve it in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl—comfort food at its most impressive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque to an airtight container as soon as it cools. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just remember to store it separately from extra garnishes to keep them fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

While this bisque is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for longer storage. Let the soup cool completely, then ladle it into freezer-safe containers—leaving a little room for expansion. It’ll keep for up to two months, but be aware the cream may separate a bit when thawed. For best results, freeze before adding the seafood and finish with fresh crab and shrimp when you reheat.

Reheating

Gently reheat the bisque on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to maintain its creamy texture. Avoid boiling, which can make the dairy separate and turn the seafood tough. If it seems too thick, whisk in a tablespoon or two of broth or milk to loosen things up to your liking.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp and crab for this bisque?

Absolutely! If you have pre-cooked shrimp or canned crab, add them at the very end and just warm through for a minute or two to avoid any toughness. The key is to preserve that delicate, sweet flavor.

Is it possible to make Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque gluten free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or even use cornstarch diluted in a little cold broth to thicken the soup instead. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thickening may happen faster.

What’s the best wine to use in this recipe?

Choose a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. Stay away from sweet wines, which can overpower the delicate flavors of the seafood.

Can I blend the soup for a completely smooth bisque?

Definitely! For the silkiest texture, blend the soup after the cream and broth simmer but before adding the crab and shrimp. This gives you that ultra-creamy base, with tender seafood stirred in at the end for a lovely contrast.

Can I prepare Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque ahead of time?

Bisques tend to develop even more flavor as they rest, so you can make it earlier in the day or even the night before. Wait to add the crab, shrimp, and finishing touches until just before serving so the seafood stays perfectly tender.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping soup that feels both comforting and refined, this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation. Every bowl is a luxurious invitation to slow down, savor, and share something truly special. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with each creamy, seafood-packed spoonful!

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of the sea with this luxurious Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque. Creamy, flavorful, and loaded with tender seafood, this soup is perfect for a special meal or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

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For the Bisque:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
1 celery stalk, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 1/2 cups seafood or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Seafood:

1/2 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Juice of 1/2 lemon

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil, then sauté onion and celery until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Make Roux: Sprinkle in flour, stir to make a light roux, then slowly add white wine, stirring until slightly reduced.
Add Broth and Cream: Gradually whisk in broth, then add cream, milk, Old Bay, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–12 minutes.
Cook Seafood: Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque. Stir in crab meat and simmer until heated through.
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and garnish with parsley. Serve hot.