🦀🦐 Creamy Crab and Shrimp Bisque

A rich, velvety soup brimming with tender seafood, aromatic vegetables, and a hint of sherry—perfect for a cozy, elegant meal!

Servings & Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Dietary Tags: Seafood, Comfort Food, Entertaining

📝 Ingredients

• Fresh or canned lump crab meat

• Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• Unsalted butter

• Onion (finely chopped)

• Celery (finely chopped)

• Carrot (finely chopped)

• Garlic (minced)

• All-purpose flour

• Dry sherry

• Seafood stock or chicken broth

• Heavy cream

• Old Bay seasoning

• Bay leaf

• Salt and pepper

🔪 Instructions

1. Prepare seafood

   • If using fresh crab and shrimp, ensure they are cleaned, peeled, and deveined. Set aside.

2. Sauté aromatics

   • In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.

   • Add onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.

   • Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

3. Make the roux

   • Sprinkle flour over the vegetables. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.

4. Deglaze & simmer

   • Slowly pour in dry sherry, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot.

   • Add seafood stock (or chicken broth), Old Bay seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

5. Add seafood

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

6. Finish the bisque

   • Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream. Remove bay leaf.

   • Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

7. Serve & enjoy

   • Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of cream, if desired.

💡 Notes & Tips

• Seafood stock: Use homemade or high-quality store-bought for the best flavor.

• No sherry? Substitute dry white wine or omit entirely.

• Lighter version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or light cream to reduce calories and W-W points.

📸 Step-by-Step Guide

(Suggested photo spots: sautéing vegetables → adding flour → pouring in stock → seafood added → creamy bisque ready to serve)

Pro Tip: Don’t boil after adding cream—keep the heat low to maintain a silky texture.

🥄 Ingredient Insights & Swaps

Why these ingredients?

• Crab & shrimp: Provide the signature seafood richness.

• Aromatics: Onion, celery, and carrot create a classic flavor base.

• Flour & cream: Thicken and enrich the soup.

• Old Bay & bay leaf: Add depth and warmth.

Substitutions:

• Light cream or evaporated milk can replace heavy cream for a lighter bisque.

• For gluten-free, use cornstarch slurry instead of flour for thickening.

🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas

Variations:

• Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for extra heat.

• Stir in fresh dill or parsley before serving for a bright finish.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

• A simple green salad makes a perfect light side.

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove—avoid boiling.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as cream-based soups may separate upon thawing.

🔎 Nutrition & W-W Points (per serving estimate)

Calories: ~330 kcal | Carbs: 10g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 20g

W-W Points (per serving, based on 6 servings):
➡️ 9 Points (using heavy cream and butter)
➡️ 6 Points if using light cream and reducing butter to 2 tablespoons.

Note: W-W points can vary by exact ingredient brands and amounts. For best accuracy, input your specific ingredients into the W-W app.

Allergens: Shellfish, Milk, Wheat (if using flour)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen seafood?
A: Yes! Thaw and drain well before adding to the bisque.

Q: Can I skip the sherry?
A: Yes—the bisque will still be flavorful without it.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: It can be! Replace flour with a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water).

📝 The Story Behind the Recipe

This crab and shrimp bisque combines coastal flavors with creamy comfort. Inspired by seafood dinners on chilly evenings, it’s an impressive yet easy dish that feels gourmet without the fuss. It’s become a go-to for dinner parties and special family meals alike.