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Creamy Crab Bisque

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Rich, velvety, and packed with the sweet flavor of crab, this Creamy Crab Bisque is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive appetizer for guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
  • ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz lump crab meat, picked over for shells
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics:
    • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
    • Add the onion and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
    • Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
  2. Make the Roux:
    • Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  3. Add Liquids:
    • Slowly pour in the seafood stock while whisking to prevent lumps.
    • Add the heavy cream, milk, and white wine (if using). Stir to combine.
  4. Season and Simmer:
    • Stir in the Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
    • Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly.
  5. Add Crab and Lemon Juice:
    • Gently fold in the lump crab meat and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to warm the crab through.
  6. Blend (Optional):
    • For a smoother bisque, use an immersion blender to blend part or all of the soup. For a chunkier texture, skip this step.
  7. Serve:
    • Ladle the bisque into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.

Notes

  • For extra richness, substitute half of the milk with additional cream.
  • To elevate the flavor, add a splash of sherry or brandy in place of white wine.
  • If using imitation crab meat, adjust seasoning to enhance the flavor.