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How Long Is Lobster Bisque Good For?

From fridge to freezer, we’re dishing up the lowdown on how to keep your lobster bisque fresh and ready for when you’re craving it.

Lobster bisque: this silky, sumptuous soup, brimming with succulent lobster and rich cream, is the quintessential luxury food for chilly fall nights, or whenever you crave a taste of opulence.

Its blend of lobster, aromatics, and cream crafts a dish that’s not only decadent, but also surprisingly nutritious for your body.

But even with the irresistible allure of lobster bisque, you might not always be able to empty the pot in one sitting (trust me when I say that I’ve tried!). So you might be asking—how long can lobster bisque stay fresh? Does it gain more complexity over time, or does it begin to lose its luster once it cools off?

And when you’re thinking about saving that remaining lobster bisque for a later indulgence, what’s the optimal way to store it? Is it best kept in the fridge, or can it withstand the frost of the freezer?

If you’ve got these kinds of questions simmering in your mind, this article’s got all the answers you need.

How Long Lobster Bisque Lasts

How long lobster bisque lasts depends on how you store it.

Generally, if you leave lobster bisque out, it will only stay good for 1 to 2 hours. When refrigerated, it can last for 3 to 4 days. And if you freeze it, it will maintain its quality for about 3 to 4 months.

Left Out: 1–2 Hours

If you leave lobster bisque at room temperature, it can last for about 2 hours. However, on hot days when it’s 90°F (32°C) or higher, lobster bisque only stays good for about 1 hour.1United States Department of Agriculture (2023, March 24). What is the “2 Hour Rule” with leaving food out? AskUSDA. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/What-is-the-2-Hour-Rule-with-leaving-food-out

Refrigerated: 3–4 Days

If you keep lobster bisque in the fridge, at a temperature of 40°F (4.4°C) or below, and store it in a jar, food container, or the original bottle or carton in case you bought it from the store, it will last for about 3 to 4 days.2U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2021, September 20). Cold Food Storage Chart. FoodSafety.gov. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/cold-food-storage-charts

Frozen: 3–4 Months

Technically speaking, you can keep frozen lobster bisque for as long as you want because freezing pauses the growth of bacteria.3U.S. Department of Agriculture (2013, June 15). Freezing and Food Safety. Food Safety & Inspection Service. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/freezing-and-food-safety With that being said, it is best to eat it within 3 to 4 months to enjoy it at its freshest and highest quality.

Keeping Lobster Bisque Fresh

Lobster bisque shines when it’s hot and bursting with the succulent flavor of lobster.

If you’re not planning to savor your bisque immediately, you need to comprehend how to store it so it remains delectable and doesn’t spoil.

Here’s the rundown:

Storing Lobster Bisque in the Fridge

First off, pour your lobster bisque into a clean, sealable container.

Glass containers like mason jars are ideal, but if you don’t have one handy, any food storage container with a tight lid will do. Then tuck it into the fridge.

Try to enjoy the lobster bisque within 3-4 days. The cold in the fridge slows down the bacteria that lead to spoilage, but it can’t stop them completely.

Freezing Lobster Bisque

If you’ve concocted a hefty pot of lobster bisque and can’t finish it within a few days, or you want to reserve some for a later occasion, then freezing is your best bet. You’ll need a clean, airtight container that can bear the frost of the freezer.

Remember to leave about an inch of space at the top of the container as the bisque will expand when it freezes. This might take a few hours. When you’re ready to dive back in, move the frozen lobster bisque to the fridge about a day in advance.

And that’s the whole scoop—lobster bisque is quite straightforward to store and it’s a pleasure to have some ready for those brisk fall nights or when your hunger pangs strike.

A touch of attentiveness in storage guarantees each serving is as delicious as the first one, so don’t overlook these steps!

How to Tell If Your Lobster Bisque Has Gone Bad

Found an overlooked container of lobster bisque nestled in the corners of your fridge?

Or are you just unsure if it’s still safe to consume? Like any soup, lobster bisque can spoil if it’s been left unattended for too long, and trust me, eating spoiled lobster bisque is not an adventure you want.

Here are some signs that your lobster bisque might have gone bad:

  • Time: If your lobster bisque’s been left out for more than 1-2 hours or hidden in the fridge for over 3-4 days, it’s safer to dispose of it, even if it appears fine. The bacteria that cause sickness don’t necessarily change how our food looks, tastes, or feels.4Jarvie, M. (2015, October 22). Food spoilage and food pathogens, what’s the difference? MSU Extension. Retrieved July 20, 2023, from https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/food_spoilage_and_food_pathogens_whats_the_difference
  • Smell: Fresh lobster bisque has a savory, enticing aroma. If you open your container and it smells off or unappetizing, it’s time to bid farewell to your bisque.
  • Color: Good lobster bisque usually has a creamy, tantalizing hue. If it’s turned darker or looks strange, it’s wiser to err on the side of caution and toss it.
  • Texture: Lobster bisque should be silky and creamy with pieces of lobster. If it’s slimy or overly thick, your bisque might be past its peak.
  • Taste: This should be your final test. If your lobster bisque passes the other checks but tastes unusual or sour, it’s time to part ways with it.

Remember, when in doubt, throw it out! It’s always better to prioritize safety. Lobster bisque is simple to make, so why take unnecessary risks?

Just whip up a new batch and savor the rich, comforting flavors of this luxurious classic dish.

Bundling It All Up

And there you have it, home cooks!

This is your ultimate guide to not just savoring this silky, delightful bisque, but also ensuring it stays as fresh as the day you concocted it, for every single serving.

Bear in mind, whether you’re storing your lobster bisque in the fridge or the freezer, preserving its freshness for those chilly fall nights is a cinch if you stick to the simple storage steps we’ve outlined.

And remember, if your lobster bisque appears a bit suspect—whether in smell, color, texture, or taste—it’s always safer to dispose of it.

Know your author

Written by

Dim is a food writer, cookbook author, and the editor of Home Cook World. His first book, Cooking Methods & Techniques, was published in 2022. He is a certified food handler with Level 1 and Level 2 Certificates in Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering, and a trained cook with a Level 3 Professional Chef Diploma.