Lobster bisque is one of those timeless dishes that carries a bit of elegance and comfort in every spoonful. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with the delicate flavors of lobster, making it a perfect treat for special occasions or whenever you want to impress your guests with something a little more luxurious. While it might seem like a dish only served at fancy restaurants, making lobster bisque at home can be surprisingly straightforward-especially with the help of Campbell’s Soup.
Campbell’s has long been known for its easy-to-make soups, and when it comes to lobster bisque, they offer an excellent starting point. Whether you’re looking to serve a gourmet appetizer or just indulge in a comforting bowl of bisque, Campbell’s recipe brings that velvety, rich flavor without all the fuss. Let’s break down the recipe, explore the ingredients, and even dig into a few expert tips and variations to elevate your dish to perfection.
Campbell Soup Lobster Bisque Recipe
The Campbell Soup Lobster Bisque recipe brings together a blend of savory lobster, smooth cream, and flavorful spices, all held together by Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Tomato Soup. It’s an ingenious way to give you a classic bisque flavor without having to spend hours on complex stocks and sauces. Ready in just about 30 minutes, this soup brings the best of both worlds-luxury and convenience.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to bring this bisque to life:
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Campbell’s Condensed Cream Of Tomato Soup
The base of this bisque, adding depth and creaminess with a slight tang. It’s a perfect shortcut that replicates the complexity of a homemade tomato base.
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Lobster Meat
Fresh lobster is ideal, but you can also use frozen lobster meat if you prefer convenience. You’ll want about 1-2 cups of lobster meat, depending on how hearty you want your bisque.
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Butter
Essential for creating that rich, smooth mouthfeel. Butter will help sauté the onions and give a luxurious texture to the final product.
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Chopped Onion
For aromatic depth. The onions bring a slight sweetness that complements the seafood beautifully.
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Garlic
Adds an extra layer of flavor and enhances the savory notes of the bisque.
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Chicken Broth
To thin out the soup and bring additional richness. You could substitute with vegetable or seafood stock for more tailored flavor.
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Heavy Cream
The star ingredient that makes the bisque so creamy and indulgent. It will give the soup its velvety texture.
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Cognac or Sherry (Optional but recommended)
A splash of these spirits will elevate the flavor and add complexity to the bisque. You don’t need much-just a tablespoon or two to balance the richness.
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Salt And Pepper
Simple seasonings, but essential to round out the flavors and ensure the bisque isn’t too heavy or bland.
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Fresh Parsley Or Chives (for Garnish)
These herbs bring a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich bisque. A sprinkle on top not only adds color but also a light, herbal note.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s how you’ll do it:
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Sauté The Onion And Garlic
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant-around 3-5 minutes. Toss in the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing it to infuse the butter with its aroma.
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Add The Soup And Broth
Stir in the Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Tomato Soup and the chicken broth. Bring everything to a simmer, allowing the soup base to warm up and combine with the aromatics. Stir occasionally to avoid any burning or sticking at the bottom.
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Incorporate The Heavy Cream
Once your soup base has heated through, pour in the heavy cream and stir. This will turn your bisque into the creamy, rich texture you’re after.
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Add The Lobster Meat And Cognac/Sherry
Add in the lobster meat and a splash of cognac or sherry if you’re using it. Let everything simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the lobster to absorb the flavors of the soup and become tender.
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Season To Taste
Taste your bisque and add salt and pepper as needed. Be sure to season well, as the flavors will meld together, and you want that perfect balance of richness and seasoning.
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Serve And Garnish
Once the bisque is ready, ladle it into bowls and top with freshly chopped parsley or chives. You can even add a drizzle of cream for an extra touch of decadence!
Ingredient Insights
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Lobster Meat
Lobster is the star here, and while fresh is always best, frozen lobster meat works just fine. If you’re using frozen lobster, be sure to thaw it thoroughly before adding it to your bisque. Also, if you’re on a budget, you can always substitute lobster with crab or shrimp for a similar seafood flavor.
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Campbell’s Cream Of Tomato Soup
This soup serves as an excellent shortcut for the base of your bisque. It provides a smooth consistency and a slight tang that helps balance the richness of the lobster and cream.
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Heavy Cream
Heavy cream is essential for that signature richness. If you prefer a lighter bisque, you could substitute some of the cream with milk, but be mindful that it will affect the texture and flavor.
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Cognac/Sherry
These are optional but highly recommended for adding complexity. They have a wonderful ability to elevate the overall flavor, especially when paired with lobster.
Expert Tips
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Use Fresh Lobster
If you’re willing to go the extra mile, using fresh lobster will give your bisque that authentic, sweet lobster flavor. If you can’t get fresh lobster, make sure to use high-quality frozen lobster meat.
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Blend For Extra Smoothness
If you prefer a super smooth bisque, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup once it’s done simmering. This will give it a velvety texture without any chunks of lobster or onion.
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Serve With A Side
Lobster bisque is rich, so serving it alongside a light salad or a few slices of crusty bread can help balance the meal.
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Make It Ahead
Bisque tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together. You can easily make this ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Recipe Variations
While Campbell’s Lobster Bisque recipe is fantastic as it is, there are a few ways to put your own twist on it:
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Add More Vegetables
You can throw in a bit of celery, carrots, or even a small potato to enhance the flavor and texture. Just be sure to sauté them along with the onions for the best flavor.
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Spicy Bisque
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño while sautéing the onions and garlic. This will add a layer of spice to complement the sweetness of the lobster.
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Herb Infusion
Try infusing the bisque with other herbs like thyme, tarragon, or bay leaves. Just drop them into the soup while it’s simmering, and remember to remove them before serving.
Final Words
Campbell’s Lobster Bisque recipe is a fantastic entry point for anyone looking to enjoy a creamy, lobster-filled bowl of comfort without spending all day in the kitchen. It combines convenience with flavor, allowing you to get the rich taste of lobster bisque in less than 30 minutes. It’s perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or simply treating yourself to something special.