Rich, velvety, and packed with the decadent flavors of the sea, this Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is the ultimate comfort dish for seafood lovers. Each spoonful delivers tender bites of shrimp and lump crab meat, swimming in a luxuriously creamy, herb-infused broth that feels indulgent without being too heavy.

Perfect for cozy evenings or impressing dinner guests, this bisque combines elegance and simplicity. You won’t need a culinary degree to pull it off, but the result will taste like you do. Whether you’re craving a cozy winter meal or looking to elevate your weekend lunch, this bisque brings warmth and flavor to the table.

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

It’s deeply flavorful, thanks to seafood stock, aromatic veggies, and a splash of cream.
Shrimp and crab bring a sweet, briny richness that feels gourmet.
It comes together in under an hour—great for weeknight luxury.
The texture is silky, comforting, and perfect for dipping crusty bread.
Easy to customize with herbs, spices, or even a touch of wine.

What Kind of Seafood Should I Use?

For this bisque, you want seafood that’s tender, flavorful, and won’t overcook quickly. Large shrimp (peeled and deveined) and lump crab meat work beautifully together. You can use fresh or high-quality frozen seafood depending on availability. If using frozen, make sure to thaw completely and pat dry to avoid watering down your bisque. For an extra kick, feel free to toss in a few scallops or a splash of clam juice for added depth.

Ingredients for the Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Every component in this bisque plays a role in building rich, layered flavor. Here are the key ingredients and why they matter:

Butter – For sautéing aromatics and creating a luscious base.
Onion and Garlic – Classic aromatics that give the bisque a savory foundation.
Celery – Adds a subtle earthiness and gentle crunch.
Carrots – Provide a hint of natural sweetness.
Flour – Helps thicken the soup into a creamy, spoon-coating consistency.
Seafood or Chicken Stock – A flavorful liquid base that infuses the bisque with depth.
Heavy Cream – Brings richness and silkiness to every bite.
Shrimp – Offers a sweet, succulent texture that stands out beautifully.
Lump Crab Meat – Delivers a soft, buttery contrast to the shrimp.
Old Bay Seasoning – Classic seafood spice blend that boosts flavor.
Salt and Pepper – To balance and enhance the dish.
Fresh Parsley or Chives – Brightens the bisque and adds fresh color.

Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque - Pin 1

How To Make the Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Base

Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Add Stock and Simmer

Gradually whisk in the seafood or chicken stock. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Blend for Creaminess

Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. If you prefer texture, you can blend only part of it.

Step 5: Add the Seafood

Stir in the shrimp and crab meat. Simmer until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Cream

Pour in the heavy cream and season with Old Bay, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley or chives. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

This rich bisque is best served piping hot in wide bowls, topped with a sprinkle of herbs and a side of toasted baguette or garlic bread. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and elegant enough for entertaining. Each batch yields 4 hearty servings or 6 smaller portions, making it a satisfying dish for family or guests.

To store leftovers, let the bisque cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling. For freezing, it’s best to freeze the base without cream, then add the cream when reheating for the best texture.

What to Serve With Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque?

Crusty Artisan Bread

A warm, rustic loaf is ideal for soaking up the flavorful bisque.

Simple Green Salad

A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

Roasted Asparagus

This veggie side brings a hint of earthiness and crunch.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

An indulgent pairing for a cozy, comforting meal.

Garlic Butter Rice

Fluffy, seasoned rice can turn the bisque into a complete one-bowl meal.

Oyster Crackers

Traditional and simple, they add texture without overpowering the flavor.

Sparkling White Wine

A crisp glass of wine complements the creamy seafood notes beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned crab instead of fresh?
Yes, canned crab can be used in a pinch. Look for high-quality lump crab and drain it well. Fresh crab will have a better texture, but canned works fine for convenience.

What if I don’t have seafood stock?
You can substitute with chicken stock or vegetable stock. Seafood stock adds the most depth, but other options will still yield a flavorful result.

Can I make this bisque dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use a dairy-free butter and swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened non-dairy cream alternative.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Add the shrimp last and simmer just until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes 3-5 minutes, so keep an eye on them.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this bisque tastes even better the next day. Prepare and refrigerate it without the cream, then reheat and stir in the cream just before serving.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest seafood board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a splash of wine or keep it classic? Did you try a different herb on top?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better, together.

Find more of my daily recipes on Pinterest: Life With Livia on Pinterest

Conclusion

Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a delicious way to bring restaurant-style luxury to your home kitchen. With simple ingredients and a few thoughtful steps, you’ll create a bisque that’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether for a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering, this dish will be one to remember. Don’t forget the crusty bread!

Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Author: Livia Scott
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and creamy seafood bisque that’s quick to make and perfect for dinner ideas or weekend indulgence. This easy recipe is packed with shrimp and lump crab, blended into a velvety broth with herbs, cream, and classic seafood seasonings. Whether you’re searching for a healthy snack, cozy dinner, or elegant appetizer, this bisque checks all the boxes for food ideas that impress without stress.

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrot, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are soft and fragrant.

2. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.

3. Slowly whisk in seafood stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes.

4. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth, or leave some texture if preferred.

5. Stir in shrimp and crab. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.

6. Add heavy cream and season with Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 more minutes.

7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or chives and a slice of crusty bread.