Best Bisque Recipes

I love, love, love lobster. Simply steamed and served with butter, or lightly dressed with mayo and loaded into a toasted hot dog bun that can barely contain it — as long as lobster is on the menu, I'm a happy camper. For this recipe, I turned to the master, Thomas Keller, for inspiration — adapting recipes for creamy lobster broth and butter-poached lobster that are featured in his exquisite French Laundry Cookbook. The result is a rich, incredibly decadent treat, with a flavor to match the amount of work that goes into making it. I recommend serving it in a little cup or bowl as a starter to an elegant meal. Click here for more lobster recipes.

Attempted by many, perfected by one, Texas-based Bob’s Steak & Chop House Executive Chef Sean Merchant has mastered the art of a true lobster bisque. This steakhouse classic has graced the menu since Bob’s first opened its doors in 1993. Stewed for three hours with a little T.L.C., heavy cream, sherry, brandy, nutmeg and lobster – the delectable delight pairs perfectly with a buttery Chardonnay or an earthy Cabernet Sauvignon and can be devoured year-round by way of spoon or a classic, hot piece of sourdough bread.

Like most Welsh rarebits, this Dark Ale Welsh Rarebit is quite the heavy comfort food. Save it for a dismal, rainy day when you need a little bit of extra energy from a savory meal.Since 1991, the creative masterminds of Le Basque have executed some of the most elaborate and groundbreaking event productions in South Florida and across the map. Building a reputation for unparalleled service with true style and savoir-faire, Le Basque offers full-service catering and production design under the helm of Alejandro Muguerza, Jim Mozina, and Ian Perris. Le Basque proudly serves many high-profile and private clients. Such prestigious figures include President Barack Obama and President Clinton, international fashion houses including Cartier and Yves St. Laurent, and global conglomerates UBS and Sotheby’s.

Sautéing the shells — be they crab, shrimp, or crawfish — is the true secret to a good rich bisque and the key to its signature nutty flavor. The farther west you go in Louisiana, the less cream and the more rice you’ll find in the bisque.Adapted from My New Orleans: The Cookbook by John Besh.Click here to see A Big Easy Dinner Menu.

This is a soup for onion lovers. Caramelized onions, leeks, and shallots (or only onions if you prefer) are puréed with chicken stock and then combined with sherry, sautéed onion, and a splash of cream at the end. What makes it so delicious are the fried leeks—and the Gruyère crostini, a contemporary interpretation of the typical (and often too heavy) cheese topping on many onion soups. Pass any extras at the table. They’re yummy! — Soups for Two by Joanna Pruess Click Here for More Soup Recipes