
Nothing hits the spot on cold days like my go-to Cajun Corn and Shrimp Bisque. The mix of juicy shrimp, sweet corn and silky broth brings total warmth in every spoonful. This gluten free dish combines all those snug tastes that make you look forward to soup weather.
What Makes This Dish Special
What really makes this bisque pop is how everything works together. The sweet corn meshes perfectly with crispy bacon while my unique Cajun spices bring just enough heat. I skip the flour and use mashed potatoes instead to get that rich, creamy texture we all want in a bisque. The soft corn and juicy shrimp give you something nice to bite into with each mouthful.
Must-Have Ingredients
- Shrimp: While fresh is great, I usually grab frozen ones from my go-to seafood market. Chop them small or leave them whole for a fancier look.
- Corn: I prefer fresh sweet corn but frozen does the job too. Don't bother with canned as it won't give you that natural sweetness.
- Potatoes: Plain russets work best here. They naturally thicken everything up for that smooth finish.
- Cajun Seasoning: My DIY mix is amazing but any good store brand works fine. Just watch for ones with too much celery salt.
- Cream: Don't skimp on the heavy whipping cream. It's what makes everything so wonderfully velvety.
Step-By-Step Cooking Guide
- Create Your Foundation
- Cook your bacon until it's super crunchy and set those bits aside. Keep that flavorful fat and toss your onions and garlic in there until they turn soft and smell amazing.
- Stack The Flavors
- Toss in your corn, potatoes and rich tomato paste. Add your Cajun spices and pour in the shrimp stock. Let it bubble away until the potatoes get soft, around 15-20 minutes.
- Cook Those Shrimp
- Mix your shrimp with the remaining Cajun spices and quickly cook them in a hot cast iron skillet until they get that dark, tasty crust. Put them aside for now.
- Mix It All Up
- Now blend your soup until it's completely smooth. Add the cooked shrimp and leftover corn. Finish with some cream, a squeeze of lemon and fresh parsley.
Ways To Switch It Up
I sometimes throw in chunks of sweet crab meat for something different. If you're like my husband and love spicy food, go ahead and add more Cajun seasoning. Try swapping onions for leeks to get a softer flavor. My best tip? Simmer the empty corn cobs in your broth for extra sweetness but take them out before you blend.
What To Serve With It
This bisque tastes even better with a simple arugula and pear salad or my quick kale and apple mix. Grab some crusty bread or my buttery garlic rolls to soak up all the tasty liquid. Top each bowl with crunchy bacon pieces, sliced green onions and fresh parsley for that wow factor.
Storing For Another Day
Got some left? You're in luck! Store it in a sealed container and it'll stay good in your fridge for 3-4 days. Want to freeze it? Separate into portions and it'll keep for up to 3 months. When you want to eat it again, warm it slowly on the stove. If it's too thick, just add a splash of broth or corn puree.
Getting That Smooth Feel
The real trick to this bisque is using regular potatoes. You don't need flour or cornstarch because the potatoes naturally make everything silky while keeping it gluten free. Need it thicker? Blend in some more potato. Too thick? A bit more broth will fix it right up.
You Won't Find A Better Bowl
I've tweaked this Cajun Corn and Shrimp Bisque for years and now it's what everyone asks me to make. It works for both casual family dinners and fancy get-togethers. The sweet corn, tender shrimp and creamy base always have people reaching for more.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works great. Just make sure it's thawed before adding it in.
- → What if I don't have shrimp stock?
No shrimp stock? No worries. Use chicken or veggie broth. You can even make shrimp stock from saved-up shells!
- → How long will leftovers stay good?
Leftovers can stay in the fridge for up to 3-4 days if stored in an airtight container.
- → Can frozen corn be used?
Definitely! Fresh or frozen works fine, and you don’t even need to thaw the frozen corn.
- → Why not blend all the soup?
Blending part of it gives a smooth base while leaving some whole shrimp and corn gives bite and looks amazing.