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Best Cream of Crab Soup Recipe: Rich and Easy Comfort Food

A close-up of a bowl of rich, creamy crab soup topped with large chunks of crab meat and fresh chopped parsley.
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You can make this rich, creamy crab soup at home. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor using simple ingredients for a truly comforting seafood meal.

Ingredients

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  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups seafood or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground mace or nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional, for authentic She-Crab flavor)
  • 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not brown the vegetables.
  2. Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
  3. Gradually whisk in the seafood broth until the mixture is smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until the soup thickens slightly.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, half-and-half, Old Bay seasoning, and mace or nutmeg. Heat gently until the soup is warm, but do not let it boil once the dairy is added.
  5. If using, stir in the dry sherry.
  6. Gently fold in the lump crab meat. Heat through for about 3 minutes, taking care not to break up the lumps of crab.
  7. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve your homemade crab soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a richer, more authentic Lowcountry flavor, substitute 1/4 cup of the heavy cream with 1/4 cup of crab roe (if available) when adding the dairy.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, allow the roux to cook for an extra minute before adding the broth.
  • You can use frozen crab meat; thaw it completely and drain off all excess liquid before adding it to the soup.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://devourdish.com/best-crab-soup-recipe-creamy-comfort-food/