Name: Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 celery stalks, finely chopped; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups seafood stock; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 ounces lump crab meat; 8 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste

Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is the definition of coastal comfort food. Rich, velvety, and packed with sweet chunks of crab meat and plump, juicy shrimp, this bisque delivers deep ocean flavor in every spoonful. Infused with a touch of garlic, a splash of cream, and delicate herbs, it’s an elegant yet approachable dish that turns any dinner into a celebration.

Whether you’re preparing for a cozy evening at home or hosting guests for a seafood night, this bisque brings warmth, indulgence, and gourmet flavor without complicated steps. The smooth texture combined with bursts of seafood creates a restaurant-quality experience that you can make right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Velvety Texture: The blend of heavy cream, butter, and seafood stock creates a luxurious base.
Flavorful Seafood: Sweet crab and tender shrimp make every bite rich and satisfying.
Simple Ingredients: Nothing overly fancy here—just pantry and fridge staples with high-end taste.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors deepen beautifully the next day, perfect for prepping ahead.
Elegant Yet Easy: Impress guests or treat yourself with a bisque that feels special but is easy to make.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To ensure your bisque turns out silky and flavorful, having the right tools is key. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Even heat distribution is essential to avoid scorching the cream base.
Immersion Blender or Countertop Blender: For that signature smooth bisque texture.
Fine Mesh Strainer (optional): For a super refined finish.
Ladle: Helps serve without disturbing the seafood presentation.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For prepping onions, garlic, and herbs.

Each tool plays a role in making sure your bisque is perfectly cooked, blended, and served with elegance. Once your kitchen is prepped, the cooking process becomes simple and enjoyable.

Ingredients for the Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Butter – Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
Onion & Garlic – Bring savory depth to the base of the bisque.
Celery – Adds aromatic sweetness and texture to the broth.
All-Purpose Flour – Creates a roux to thicken the bisque.
Seafood Stock – Forms the backbone of the soup’s flavor. You can substitute chicken broth in a pinch.
Heavy Cream – Provides luscious, creamy body.
Old Bay Seasoning – Adds classic seafood spice and warmth.
Crab Meat – Sweet, tender, and quintessential to this dish.
Shrimp – Brings a firm, juicy texture and fresh seafood flavor.
Tomato Paste – Enhances the bisque with a hint of sweetness and depth.
Fresh Parsley – Finishes the bisque with a burst of color and freshness.

How To Make the Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, and celery. Cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Roux

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed veggies. Stir continuously to cook out the raw flour taste, about 2 minutes. This step thickens the bisque.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Flavor

Whisk in the seafood stock slowly to prevent lumps. Add tomato paste and Old Bay seasoning. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Use an immersion blender to purée the bisque until silky. Alternatively, cool slightly and blend in batches using a countertop blender. Return to pot.

Step 5: Add Cream and Seafood

Stir in the heavy cream. Then gently fold in the crab meat and shrimp. Simmer on low for another 5–7 minutes, or until shrimp is cooked through.

Step 6: Final Touches

Adjust seasoning to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and an extra drizzle of cream if desired.

Serving & Storing This Bisque

Serve this luxurious bisque hot, preferably with crusty bread or a toasted baguette slice for dipping. It also pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making it even better the next day. Reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve the texture.

If freezing, do so before adding cream and seafood. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and add those final fresh ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp or crab?

Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before using to avoid watering down the bisque.

What can I substitute for seafood stock?

Chicken or vegetable broth work in a pinch, though seafood stock offers the richest flavor.

Can I make this bisque ahead of time?

Absolutely. Make the base ahead and add the seafood just before serving.

How spicy is it?

Old Bay seasoning adds gentle warmth but isn’t overly spicy. You can add cayenne if you like heat.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the bisque will be slightly less rich and thick.

Want More Soup Ideas with a Gourmet Twist?

If you love this Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque, you’ll likely fall for these other cozy creations:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the garlic? Did you sneak in some white wine or cayenne? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook with confidence.

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