Creamy Crab and Shrimp Bisque – The Holiday Classic Everyone Waits For 🦀🍤
💬 “Is the bisque ready yet?” – The question I hear every Christmas Eve before anyone even sets the table.
There’s just something magical about the first spoonful of this Crab and Shrimp Bisque. Rich, creamy, deeply savory, and loaded with tender seafood—it’s a tradition that kicks off our holiday feast every year. From the first sautéed onion to the final splash of sherry, this recipe fills the house with warmth and the promise of celebration.
Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or just cozying up with a bowl and a blanket, this bisque feels like a hug from the inside.
🕒 Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 generous bowls
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups seafood stock (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ lb cooked shrimp, chopped
- ½ lb lump crab meat
- Salt, black pepper, and Old Bay seasoning to taste
- Optional: dash of dry sherry for serving
Pro tip: Use fresh or high-quality frozen seafood for the best flavor. Avoid imitation crab if possible.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté Aromatics
In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
2️⃣ Make the Roux
Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, whisking constantly. This forms a roux, which thickens the soup and adds a nutty depth of flavor.
3️⃣ Add Liquids Slowly
Gradually whisk in the seafood stock, followed by the cream and milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—don’t boil it, or the dairy might curdle.
4️⃣ Add the Seafood
Stir in the chopped shrimp and crab meat. Season with salt, pepper, and a generous dash of Old Bay. Simmer gently until the seafood is heated through—just a few minutes.
5️⃣ Finish with a Splash
Just before serving, add a splash of dry sherry if you like. It adds a warm, slightly sweet depth that elevates the entire dish.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 🚫 Overcooking the seafood – It only needs to warm through, or it becomes chewy.
- 🚫 Skipping the roux – It’s the foundation of the bisque’s creamy texture.
- 🚫 Adding cold milk or cream – Let it come to room temp before adding, or you risk curdling.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- 🥖 Serve with: crusty garlic bread, buttered toast, or puff pastry twists
- 🌿 Garnish with: chopped chives, parsley, or a swirl of cream
- 🍷 Drink with: a chilled glass of white wine (like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc)
❤️ Why You’ll Love It
✔️ Luxuriously creamy
✔️ Packed with sweet, tender seafood
✔️ Elegant enough for holidays, easy enough for a cozy Sunday
✔️ Reheats well – perfect for prepping ahead
This bisque isn’t just soup—it’s holiday nostalgia in a bowl. Every year, it draws everyone to the kitchen, and every year, it disappears in minutes.
📸 Share the Love
Made this for your family feast? Tag your creations with #SeafoodBisque or #ComfortInABowl and share your cozy holiday moment!
🔖 Recipe Card Summary
| 🕒 Prep | 🔥 Cook | 🍽️ Yield |
|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 30 min | 4 bowls |
🌟 Related Recipes You Might Love:
- Classic Lobster Bisque with Brandy
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Creamy Salmon and Dill Soup
- Festive Corn & Crab Chowder