Oh, let me tell you about my creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, rich and velvety with a depth of flavor that’s just irresistible. The combination of sweet crab meat and succulent shrimp, all swimming in a luscious broth, will have you dreaming of coastal dinners. I love how simple it is to whip up, yet it feels fancy enough for a special occasion. And trust me, once you take that first spoonful, you’ll understand why this bisque has become a beloved staple in my kitchen. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Ingredients List
For my creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque, you’ll need a handful of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 lb crab meat: Fresh or canned, just make sure it’s good quality for that sweet flavor.
- 1 lb shrimp: Peeled and deveined, because nobody wants to mess with shells when you’re hungry!
- 4 cups seafood stock: Homemade is best, but store-bought works in a pinch.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is where the richness comes from—don’t skimp!
- 1/2 cup white wine: A dry variety adds a lovely depth; sip the rest while you cook!
- 1/2 cup onion: Chopped finely for that aromatic base.
- 1/4 cup celery: Chopped to bring a bit of crunch and freshness.
- 1/4 cup carrot: Chopped for sweetness and color.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced, because garlic makes everything better!
- 2 tablespoons butter: For sautéing those veggies to perfection.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: A must for that classic seafood flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, of course!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into making this creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque! It’s all about layering flavors and textures, and I promise it’s easier than you might think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a bowl of deliciousness in no time!
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
First, melt those 2 tablespoons of butter in a pot over medium heat. Once it’s bubbly and fragrant, toss in the chopped onion, celery, and carrot, along with the minced garlic. Sauté everything for about 5-7 minutes until the veggies are softened and the kitchen smells amazing. Trust me, this is where the magic begins!
Step 2: Add Wine and Reduce
Next, pour in the 1/2 cup of white wine and let it bubble away, reducing by half. This will take about 3-4 minutes. You want all that lovely wine flavor to concentrate, giving your bisque a rich depth.
Step 3: Incorporate Stock and Seasoning
After the wine has reduced, stir in the 4 cups of seafood stock and the teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to meld those flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Add Seafood
Now for the star of the show! Gently stir in the crab meat and shrimp, cooking until the shrimp turn a lovely pink color—about 3-5 minutes. You’ll love watching them transform!
Step 5: Mix in Cream and Season
Finally, reduce the heat to low and stir in that luscious 1 cup of heavy cream. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Let it heat through for another 2-3 minutes, and voilà—your bisque is ready to shine!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! This creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque packs quite the punch. Each serving, about 1 cup, comes in at approximately 350 calories, with 20g of fat and 30g of protein. You’ll also find around 10g of carbs and 2g of sugar. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque? Here are some common ones I hear, along with my answers!
Can I use frozen shrimp and crab meat?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them beforehand. Fresh is great, but frozen works beautifully in this bisque too.
Can I make this bisque ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bisque a day in advance. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if it thickens too much.
What type of seafood stock should I use?
I recommend homemade seafood stock for the best flavor, but a good-quality store-bought version will do the trick in a pinch!
Is this bisque gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check your seafood stock to ensure it doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients.
Can I add other seafood?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some scallops or even lobster if you want to elevate this bisque further. Just adjust cooking times as needed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners!
- Rich, creamy texture that warms you from the inside out.
- Delicious combination of sweet crab and succulent shrimp.
- Elevates any meal with its sophisticated flavors.
- Comfort food that’s perfect for chilly evenings or special occasions.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite seafood or spices.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Tips for Success
To make your creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque truly shine, start with the freshest seafood you can find—trust me, it makes a world of difference! If you can, try to use homemade seafood stock; it adds such a depth of flavor that store-bought just can’t match. When sautéing the vegetables, don’t rush it; letting them soften and caramelize really enhances the taste. And remember, once you add the cream, keep the heat low to avoid curdling. Lastly, let your bisque rest for a few minutes before serving; the flavors meld beautifully, and you’ll have a bowl of pure bliss ready to enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’ve got any leftovers of this creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque, you’re in luck! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy again, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it thickens too much, don’t hesitate to add a splash of seafood stock or cream to bring it back to that luscious consistency. Avoid microwaving if you can; it can make the seafood tough. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque for Cozy Nights
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A rich and creamy seafood bisque made with crab and shrimp.
Ingredients
- 1 lb crab meat
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups seafood stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup carrot, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onions, celery, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
- Pour in white wine and reduce by half.
- Add seafood stock and Old Bay seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in crab meat and shrimp. Cook until shrimp is pink.
- Reduce heat and add heavy cream. Stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper.
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor.
- This bisque can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque, seafood soup, crab bisque, shrimp bisque