Crab-Broccoli Bisque
Crab-Broccoli Bisque offers a creamy, flavorful soup combining tender crab meat and broccoli with a rich, cheesy broth. Perfect for seafood lovers and comfort food enthusiasts, it’s ideal for elegant dinners or cozy gatherings, served with crusty bread and crunchy toppings for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute butter and diced onion until translucent.
- Add flour, half and half, and milk, then stir until the mixture thickens.
- Optional: thicken further with cornstarch if desired.
- Add freshly ground black pepper, crab meat, and thawed broccoli, then heat thoroughly.
- Just before serving, stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve topped with croutons or oyster crackers, alongside warm, crusty French bread if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade seafood stock instead of half and half or milk. If you want to lighten the bisque, substitute coconut milk for the cream. To enhance the taste, add a splash of white wine or Worcestershire sauce during cooking. If fresh crab is unavailable, canned crab meat works well, but drain it thoroughly to avoid excess liquid.
Serving Suggestions
This bisque pairs beautifully with warm, crusty French bread for dipping, and can be garnished with croutons or oyster crackers for added texture. For a complete meal, serve alongside a light salad or seafood dishes like Baked Ocean Perch In Sauce. Consider pairing with a crisp white wine to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent curdling. If the bisque thickens too much after cooling, add a splash of milk or cream to reach the desired consistency before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab-Broccoli Bisque contains roughly 1187 calories, with 19g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (199% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and protein (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli instead of frozen. Just steam or blanch it until tender before adding it to the bisque to ensure it cooks evenly and retains its vibrant color.
How can I make this bisque spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce during the cooking process. You can also top each bowl with some diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Is it possible to make this bisque dairy-free?
Yes, for a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk in place of half and half and milk. You can also substitute vegan butter for regular butter to maintain the creaminess while keeping it dairy-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).