Campbell Soup Seafood Bisque Recipe

Ah, Campbell’s Soup! A staple in so many households, right? From those comforting moments when you need a quick meal, to elevating the flavor of a dish with one of their signature flavors, Campbell’s has truly been a kitchen companion for years. But if you’ve ever tried their Seafood Bisque, you know it’s something else. This rich, creamy soup is a true treat, combining the delicate sweetness of seafood with the lush, savory flavors of a bisque base. It’s the kind of dish you’d expect at a high-end restaurant, but it’s so easy to make at home.

But you don’t need to leave it up to chance (or the grocery store’s ready-made aisle) to experience that delightful bowl of bisque. I’m going to break down an incredibly simple yet satisfying Campbell Soup Seafood Bisque recipe. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party, need a cozy meal for the family, or just want something special for yourself, this recipe will deliver. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive in!

Campbell Soup Seafood Bisque Recipe

Let me guide you through the steps to make this luscious, creamy seafood bisque from scratch, with a little help from Campbell’s. Trust me, it’s going to taste like something straight from a restaurant, but you won’t believe how easy it is to whip up at home.

Ingredients Needed

Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s first talk about what you need to gather to make this delicious bisque. These ingredients work together to create that iconic seafood bisque flavor-rich, creamy, and full of seafood goodness.

• Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Tomato Soup: This is the base of the bisque and gives it that thick, creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor that balances out the seafood perfectly.
• Seafood (Shrimp, Scallops, or Crab): This is the heart of the bisque. The seafood gives it that signature richness, so choose your favorites or mix and match! I personally love a combo of shrimp and scallops for variety.
• Butter: Rich, unsalted butter will help sauté the vegetables and give a luscious mouthfeel to the soup.
• Onion: A finely chopped onion will provide a sweet base flavor that compliments the seafood.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth and warmth to the bisque.
• Heavy Cream: This will help achieve the velvety smooth texture of the bisque. Trust me, it’s the secret to indulgent, luxurious soup.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The broth will thin out the soup just enough to create the perfect consistency without losing any flavor. You can also use seafood stock if you want to make it even more decadent.
• Lemon Juice: A little tangy acidity to cut through the richness. You’ll want just a splash to brighten up the dish.
• Herbs (Thyme and Bay Leaf): For that aromatic, herbaceous touch.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste. You can never forget to season properly!
• Parsley or Chives (optional): A sprinkle on top for a pop of freshness and color when serving.

Cooking Instructions

Okay, so now that you’ve got your ingredients, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delectable seafood bisque.

1. Sauté The Aromatics

   • In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
   • Add in your chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add in the garlic and cook for another minute or two, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

2. Build The Base

   • Stir in the Campbell’s Cream of Tomato Soup. The condensed soup forms the base of this bisque and adds richness.
   • Pour in your broth (either chicken, vegetable, or seafood stock). Stir everything to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

3. Cook The Seafood

   • Add your chopped seafood into the pot. Shrimp, scallops, and crab will cook quickly-about 5-6 minutes depending on the size of your pieces. You’ll know it’s ready when the shrimp turn pink and the scallops are opaque.

4. Add Creaminess

   • Lower the heat and stir in your heavy cream. You’ll want to keep the temperature at a gentle simmer, not a boil, so the cream stays smooth and doesn’t curdle.

5. Season & Simmer

   • Add a squeeze of lemon juice, a few sprigs of thyme, and a bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Finish & Serve

   • Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.
   • Taste the bisque and adjust seasoning if needed. If you want a smoother texture, you can blend it slightly with an immersion blender (optional).
   • Ladle the bisque into bowls, and if you’d like, sprinkle a little parsley or chives on top.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding how each ingredient plays a role in this bisque helps elevate the dish even further:

• Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Tomato Soup: While it might seem like an odd choice for seafood bisque, this tomato-based soup adds body and a smooth texture that’s vital for the consistency of the bisque. The slight acidity from the tomatoes helps balance the rich seafood flavors.
• Seafood: Choose seafood that cooks quickly and blends well into soups. Shrimp and scallops are ideal because they provide sweetness without overpowering the dish. Crab meat would add an extra layer of luxury, and you can also throw in some lobster if you’re feeling fancy!
• Heavy Cream: It’s all about that luxurious texture. The richness of cream helps create that melt-in-your-mouth feel, making the bisque indulgent and satisfying.
• Lemon Juice: The citrusy zing balances the richness, cutting through the creamy texture without overwhelming the flavors.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme adds an earthy note, while the bay leaf imparts a subtle depth to the broth.

Expert Tips

If you want to take your bisque game to the next level, here are a few expert tips for perfecting your seafood bisque:

• Use Fresh Seafood: While frozen seafood works well, fresh seafood can elevate the flavor of the soup.
• Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Overcooking will result in rubbery seafood, so be sure to watch your cooking times closely.
• Thicken It Up: If you like a thicker bisque, try adding a little cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) towards the end of cooking.
• Blending for Texture: If you want a smoother texture, don’t hesitate to use an immersion blender to puree part of the bisque.
• Spices: For a little extra heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for some subtle spice.

Recipe Variations

There are so many ways to play around with this bisque recipe! Here are a few variations you can try:

• Lobster Bisque: Upgrade your seafood game by adding chunks of lobster. The sweetness of the lobster pairs beautifully with the rich bisque base.
• Spicy Seafood Bisque: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. A bit of smoked paprika would also give it a lovely depth of flavor.
• Vegetarian Bisque: For a vegetarian take, you can replace the seafood with roasted vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, or mushrooms. Add a little miso paste for umami flavor!
• Herb-Infused Bisque: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or tarragon for a more aromatic version.

Final Words

The Campbell Soup Seafood Bisque is comfort food at its finest. It’s easy to make, delicious, and totally customizable to suit your taste. Whether you want a quick weekday dinner or a special treat for the weekend, this soup is perfect for any occasion. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.