There's nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque to bring comfort on a chilly evening. This rich and indulgent soup combines sweet crab meat, tender shrimp, and a velvety broth infused with savory seafood flavors.

I first made this recipe on a special date night at home, hoping to recreate the bisque from our favorite coastal restaurant. After a few tweaks, it quickly became a go-to dish for both special occasions and cozy family dinners. It's surprisingly easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Get ready to fall in love with this luxurious seafood bisque. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just craving something warm and comforting, this recipe is a must-try.

First off, the flavor is absolutely incredible. The combination of sweet crab meat, tender shrimp, and a creamy, buttery broth creates an irresistible, restaurant-worthy dish.

It’s also surprisingly easy to make. While it tastes like something that took hours to prepare, this bisque comes together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and elegant dinners.

Another great thing about this bisque is how versatile it is. You can adjust the seasonings to your liking, swap out seafood based on availability, or even make it a little lighter with a few simple substitutions.

And let’s not forget how impressive it looks when served! A bowl of this rich, golden bisque topped with a swirl of cream and fresh herbs makes any meal feel special.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque comes from its rich, high-quality ingredients. Each element plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture.

Shrimp and Crab – The stars of this dish! I recommend using lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor, but claw meat works if you're on a budget. Fresh or frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined) both work well—just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

Seafood Stock – This is the foundation of the bisque’s deep seafood flavor. If you can’t find seafood stock, you can make your own by simmering shrimp shells with water, garlic, and herbs for about 20 minutes. In a pinch, a mix of chicken broth and a splash of clam juice can also work.

Heavy Cream – The key to that silky, rich texture. If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the bisque won’t be quite as thick and creamy.

Aromatics (Shallots, Garlic, Celery) – These ingredients create a flavorful base that enhances the seafood taste. Cooking them in butter before adding the liquid helps develop a deep, savory richness.

Tomato Paste – Adds a slight sweetness and depth to balance out the seafood flavors. It also gives the bisque a gorgeous golden color.

You’ll also need butter, flour (for thickening), Old Bay seasoning, white wine, and fresh parsley to round out the flavors. A blender or immersion blender is useful for getting that signature smooth consistency.

How To Make This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Making this bisque is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a creamy, comforting seafood soup ready to enjoy.

Start by sautéing your aromatics. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat, then add shallots, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Next, stir in flour and tomato paste. This helps thicken the bisque while adding depth of flavor. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Deglaze the pot with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about a minute to cook off the alcohol, then gradually add seafood stock, whisking to combine. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Once the broth is warm and slightly thickened, blend the mixture using an immersion blender until smooth. If you’re using a traditional blender, work in batches and be careful with the hot liquid.

Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream, Old Bay seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Finally, add the shrimp and crab meat, cooking for just a few minutes until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the seafood—shrimp cooks fast!

Ladle the bisque into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and an extra swirl of cream, and enjoy!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), this bisque stores well for later enjoyment.

For refrigeration, let the bisque cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 2-3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the cream from separating.

For freezing, it's best to freeze the bisque before adding the shrimp and crab. Creamy soups can sometimes separate when frozen, but if you must freeze leftovers, store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To reheat, warm the bisque over low heat, stirring frequently. If it has thickened too much, add a splash of seafood stock or cream to restore the original consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

This bisque is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to customize it to your preferences.

Make it spicy – If you love a little heat, add a dash of Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Try different seafood – Instead of shrimp and crab, you can use lobster, scallops, or even chunks of firm white fish like cod or halibut. A mix of seafood adds depth and variety.

Lighten it up – Swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Add veggies – A handful of corn, diced potatoes, or bell peppers can add extra texture and sweetness to the bisque.

Make it extra rich – If you want an even more indulgent version, stir in a small amount of sherry or brandy right before serving. This adds a luxurious depth to the flavor.

The best part about this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is how customizable it is. Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, you're in for a creamy, seafood-packed treat. So grab a bowl and enjoy every spoonful!