New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque: A Taste of the Bayou 🦐🌽🍲
Few dishes capture the spirit of Southern coastal cuisine quite like a bowl of rich, creamy New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque. This classic Louisiana-style soup combines tender Gulf shrimp, sweet corn, a flavorful roux, and warming spices into a luxurious bisque that’s both comforting and impressively elegant.
Whether you’re craving a warm dish on a chilly evening or planning a special dinner party, this bisque delivers a bold punch of flavor in every bite—without being overly complicated to make. In this in-depth recipe guide, we’ll explore how to make this indulgent dish step by step, along with helpful tips, serving suggestions, and a bit of cultural background that highlights why this bisque is a staple in Creole kitchens.
🌟 What Makes This Bisque Special?
Shrimp and corn are a beloved combination in Louisiana cuisine. Their sweet, savory union provides the perfect foundation for a dish that celebrates the region’s rich culinary traditions. Add in creamy broth, a golden roux, and Cajun spices, and you’ve got something truly special.
Unlike heavier chowders, a bisque is smooth, silky, and deeply flavored—traditionally made with seafood and thickened with rice or roux. This version uses butter and flour to make a blonde roux, giving it a gentle richness that perfectly complements the shrimp and sweet corn.
🛒 Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at each ingredient and what role it plays in this flavorful dish:
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose medium or large shrimp for best texture. Fresh or frozen (and thawed) shrimp both work. Tail-off is ideal for easier eating.
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels: Sweet corn adds natural sweetness and texture. Use fresh when in season for the best flavor.
1 small onion, finely chopped: Forms the aromatic base of the bisque.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds depth and savory complexity.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base fat for the roux; provides a rich flavor.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Combines with butter to make the roux, which thickens the soup.
4 cups seafood or chicken broth: Seafood broth gives a deeper, oceanic flavor, but chicken broth works well too.
1 cup heavy cream: Brings a luxurious, velvety texture.
1/2 cup diced bell pepper: Adds color, mild sweetness, and crunch. Use red or green depending on preference.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a smoky depth to the soup.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a spicy kick—adjust to your liking.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for flavor balance.
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish): Brightens up the final dish with a mild oniony bite.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh herbal note and color contrast.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5–6 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
Then stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant. Garlic burns quickly, so don’t walk away!
2. Make the Roux
Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of flour over the softened vegetables. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until the flour is fully absorbed into the butter and lightly golden in color. This is your roux, which will thicken the bisque and add flavor.
Don’t let it get too dark—unlike Cajun gumbo where a dark roux is traditional, bisques typically use a blonde roux for a more delicate texture and color.
3. Add Broth and Simmer
Slowly pour in the 4 cups of seafood or chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Add the corn kernels, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Let the soup simmer for 10–15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and softens the corn if you’re using fresh kernels. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
4. Add the Cream and Shrimp
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to incorporate. The bisque will take on a velvety consistency and a pale golden hue.
Next, gently add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, or just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them—they can turn rubbery if left in too long.
5. Finish and Serve
Taste the bisque and adjust the seasoning as needed. When it’s perfect, remove from heat.
Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish each serving with chopped green onions and fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread, oyster crackers, or a slice of cornbread for the full Southern experience.
🧑🍳 Tips for Bisque Success
Shrimp Stock Upgrade: For an extra seafood-forward flavor, make a quick shrimp stock using the shells of the peeled shrimp. Simmer them in water with a bay leaf, onion, and celery for 30 minutes, then strain and use this as your broth base.
Puree Option: For a smoother texture, puree part of the bisque before adding the shrimp. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer a portion to a blender, blend until smooth, then return to the pot.
Low and Slow: Don’t rush the simmering process—it helps build flavor. Keep the heat moderate and stir occasionally.
Spice Control: Adjust cayenne pepper to your liking. Add more for a classic New Orleans kick, or omit it for a milder version.
🥖 What to Serve with Shrimp and Corn Bisque
Crusty French bread: Ideal for sopping up every bit of bisque.
Grilled cheese sandwich: A buttery grilled sandwich with sharp cheddar complements the creamy soup.
Cornbread: Slightly sweet cornbread makes a Southern-inspired pairing.
Simple side salad: A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the richness.
Fried okra or hush puppies: For a true Creole experience.
🍲 Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavor continues to develop as it sits!
Freezer:
This bisque can be frozen, though the texture may change slightly due to the cream. To freeze, let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Reheat slowly over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the texture if needed.
🔁 Variations and Add-Ins
Crab Meat: Add lump crab meat near the end for a more luxurious seafood bisque.
Potatoes: Diced potatoes can add heartiness and texture.
Andouille Sausage: A few slices of this spicy smoked sausage will bring serious Cajun vibes.
Coconut Cream: For a tropical twist, substitute half the cream with coconut milk and add a splash of lime juice.
📜 Final Thoughts
New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque is everything you want in a Southern comfort dish—creamy, hearty, flavorful, and full of personality. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for guests.
Whether you’re a Louisiana native or just a food lover looking to explore the flavors of the Gulf Coast, this bisque is a must-try. It captures the essence of New Orleans: bold, comforting, and full of life.
So grab your shrimp, stir up that roux, and let the good times roll. 🎉
Let me know if you’d like a printable version, meal plan including this dish, or even wine pairings!
You said:
National Cherry Cobbler Day
Old-Fashioned Cherry Cobbler
A warm, bubbly cherry dessert with a golden, buttery topping — comfort in every bite.
Ingredients:
For the filling:
4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp cornstarch
ChatGPT said:
🍒 Old-Fashioned Cherry Cobbler – A Sweet Celebration for National Cherry Cobbler Day! 🎉
There’s no better way to honor National Cherry Cobbler Day (celebrated every May 17th) than by baking a comforting dish of Old-Fashioned Cherry Cobbler. With sweet-tart cherries bubbling under a crisp, golden-brown crust, this dessert is a beloved American classic. Whether made from fresh cherries during peak season or frozen ones when off-season, this cobbler is a showstopper at any table.
Today, let’s explore the history, cultural charm, and of course, the step-by-step recipe that makes this cobbler a timeless treat. From tips on choosing cherries to ideas for serving à la mode, this guide is your all-in-one for making the most of National Cherry Cobbler Day.
📜 The History of Cherry Cobbler
Cobblers have a long, delicious history rooted in early American baking. Settlers who lacked the equipment or ingredients for traditional European puddings and pies adapted by spooning fruit into a baking dish and topping it with biscuit dough or a cake-like batter. This rustic dessert was baked until the top was golden and the fruit bubbly.
The name “cobbler” is said to come from the topping’s resemblance to a cobbled street. Over time, regional variations emerged, with some cobblers using drop biscuits, others a full crust, and some—a cake batter that bakes into a soft sponge over the fruit.
Cherries, being one of America’s favorite stone fruits, especially shine in cobbler form thanks to their balance of tart and sweet flavors.
🍒 Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Cherry Cobbler
For the Filling:
4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries – Sweet or tart cherries can be used. If using tart cherries, consider increasing sugar slightly.
1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adjust based on the sweetness of the cherries.
1 tbsp lemon juice – Brightens and balances the sweetness.
2 tbsp cornstarch – Helps thicken the fruit filling into a luscious sauce.
For the Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional:
Turbinado or coarse sugar for sprinkling on top – Adds a sweet crunch.
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream – For serving.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
If using fresh cherries, wash, stem, and pit them. If using frozen, thaw and drain off excess liquid. Place the cherries in a medium saucepan.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
Add the sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch to the cherries. Stir until combined. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken—about 5–7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and pour the filling into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
Tip: You can taste the filling at this point and adjust sugar if needed.
Step 3: Make the Topping
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Sugar
Baking powder
Salt
In another bowl, combine:
Milk
Melted butter
Vanilla extract
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix.
Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler
Spoon the batter evenly over the cherry filling in the baking dish. It’s okay if some cherries peek through — the batter will spread as it bakes.
Sprinkle the top with turbinado sugar if you’d like extra crunch.
Step 5: Bake
Place the dish in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
Tip: If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cobbler cool for about 15 minutes to allow the filling to set. Serve warm in bowls, ideally topped with:
A scoop of vanilla ice cream
A dollop of fresh whipped cream
Or a drizzle of heavy cream for old-fashioned charm
🧁 Variations to Try
Spiced Cherry Cobbler: Add ½ tsp cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.
Almond Twist: Stir 1/2 tsp almond extract into the cherry filling or the batter.
Double Crust: Double the topping and add dollops of batter underneath the cherries before baking.
Cherry-Berry Cobbler: Add a cup of blueberries or raspberries for added color and flavor.
🥄 Make It Ahead or Freeze It
Make-Ahead:
You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, then reheat gently before assembling the cobbler.
Freezing Instructions:
Freeze fully baked cobbler for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes until hot.
🥂 Serving Ideas for National Cherry Cobbler Day
Cobbler Bar: Serve small ramekins of cobbler with a toppings station: whipped cream, chopped nuts, ice cream, caramel drizzle, and more!
Brunch Treat: Offer cherry cobbler as a sweet side for a Southern-style brunch.
Rustic Picnic: Pack individual mason jars of cherry cobbler for a cozy outdoor meal.
❤️ Why We Love This Cherry Cobbler
Simple Ingredients – No fancy equipment, just pantry staples.
Seasonal and Fresh – A great use of spring and summer cherries.
Versatile – Great with other fruits, easy to adapt for dietary needs.
Iconic Flavor – Tart cherries and buttery topping create a perfect contrast.
Celebration-Worthy – Beautiful for holidays, potlucks, and, of course, National Cherry Cobbler Day!
🍷 Beverage Pairings
Sparkling Rosé – Its bubbly, fruity notes complement the tart cherries.
Black Tea or Earl Grey – A warm, comforting match.
Coffee with a splash of cream – Balances the sweetness beautifully.
👨👩👧👦 Make It a Family Tradition
Cherry cobbler has been served at family dinners, summer picnics, and holiday tables for generations. It’s a dessert that invites you to slow down, savor a bite, and share a story. For many, cobbler evokes memories of grandma’s kitchen, full of sweet smells and warm love.
So this National Cherry Cobbler Day, bring that tradition to your table—bake up a warm dish, gather your loved ones, and dig in.
📋 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just diving into desserts, this Old-Fashioned Cherry Cobbler is a must-make. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a tribute to American culinary heritage and a delicious excuse to celebrate fruit in its coziest form.
So preheat the oven, grab those cherries, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a bubbling, golden-topped cobbler. 🍒