New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque is a creamy, flavorful soup that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Louisiana. This dish combines tender shrimp, sweet corn, and a velvety broth infused with Creole spices, making it a comforting yet elegant meal. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a special appetizer, this bisque is sure to impress with its bold flavors and creamy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy – The combination of heavy cream and butter creates a luxurious texture.
- Authentic Creole Flavors – Features classic Cajun and Creole spices for a bold taste.
- Easy to Make – Comes together in under an hour with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve as an appetizer or a satisfying main dish.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level and add your favorite seafood or vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Fresh or frozen corn kernels
- Butter
- Onion, finely chopped
- Celery, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Red bell pepper, diced
- All-purpose flour (for thickening)
- Chicken or seafood broth
- Heavy cream
- Creole or Cajun seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion, celery, and bell pepper until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly add the broth, stirring to prevent lumps from forming. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the corn, Creole seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and continue simmering for another 5 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque (about 3-4 minutes).
- Adjust seasoning to taste and add cayenne pepper if you like extra heat.
- Garnish with green onions and parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Seafood Mix: Add crab meat, crawfish, or scallops for extra seafood flavor.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Spicier Bisque: Increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace shrimp with mushrooms or diced potatoes and use vegetable broth.
- Smoky Twist: Add a bit of smoked paprika or andouille sausage for a deeper flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the bisque thickens too much.
FAQs
What makes this bisque different from chowder?
Bisque is smoother and creamier, while chowder is chunkier and often includes potatoes.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them first and pat them dry before adding to the bisque.
What’s the best broth to use?
Seafood broth enhances the flavor, but chicken broth works well too.
How can I make this bisque gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch instead of regular flour for thickening.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, but add the shrimp just before serving to keep them from becoming rubbery.
What kind of corn should I use?
Fresh corn is ideal, but frozen or canned corn works just as well.
How can I make this bisque thicker?
Add more flour to the roux or let it simmer longer to reduce.
Is this dish spicy?
It has mild heat from Creole seasoning, but you can adjust it to your preference.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the bisque will be less rich. Consider using half-and-half for a balance.
What should I serve with this bisque?
Crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad pairs beautifully with it.
Conclusion
New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque is a warm, creamy, and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Louisiana straight to your kitchen. With its blend of sweet corn, succulent shrimp, and rich Creole spices, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. Try different variations to make it your own, and enjoy a bowl of comforting, homemade bisque today!
Print
New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole, Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque is a rich and creamy Creole-inspired soup that combines succulent shrimp, sweet corn, and bold Cajun spices in a velvety broth. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, this easy homemade bisque is full of Louisiana flavors and comes together in under an hour. Serve it with crusty bread for the ultimate comforting meal!
Ingredients
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Fresh or frozen corn kernels
- Butter
- Onion, finely chopped
- Celery, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Red bell pepper, diced
- All-purpose flour (for thickening)
- Chicken or seafood broth
- Heavy cream
- Creole or Cajun seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Sprinkle in flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Slowly add broth, stirring to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer.
Add corn, Creole seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let cook for 10 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and continue simmering for 5 minutes.
Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque (3-4 minutes).
Adjust seasoning to taste and add cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Garnish with green onions and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Seafood Mix: Add crab meat, crawfish, or scallops for extra seafood flavor.
- Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream.
- Spicier Bisque: Increase cayenne pepper or add hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace shrimp with mushrooms or potatoes and use vegetable broth.
- Smoky Twist: Add smoked paprika or andouille sausage.
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