Name: SLOW COOKER CREAMY CRAB SOUP Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound crab meat; 15 ounces crushed tomatoes; 2 cups low-sodium beef broth; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 cup corn; 1 cup frozen lima beans (or peas); 1/3 cup onion, chopped; 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning; 1 tablespoon oil (for Instant Pot)

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 9 reviews

If you’re craving a luscious, seaside-inspired comfort dish that’s as simple as it is impressive, look no further than this SLOW COOKER CREAMY CRAB SOUP. With a rich, velvety texture and the unmistakable, sweet flavor of crab, this soup feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to prepare. Everything comes together in your slow cooker, making it a fuss-free main course or star appetizer to serve any time you’re entertaining or simply treating yourself to a taste of the coast. Each bite teases out a celebration of flavors with Old Bay seasoning, sweet corn, tender veggies, and succulent crab making every spoonful memorable.

SLOW COOKER CREAMY CRAB SOUP Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for SLOW COOKER CREAMY CRAB SOUP is refreshingly simple. Each component plays a key role in layering flavors, adding body, or brightening up this creamy bowl of comfort. Let’s take a closer look at why each one matters.

Crab meat: The star of the soup, lending sweet, briny seafood flavor and a delicate texture you can’t miss.
Crushed tomatoes: Brings subtle acidity that cuts through the cream, helping every ingredient shine.
Low-sodium beef broth: Adds hearty richness to the base without overwhelming the crab.
Heavy whipping cream: Delivers the signature creamy texture that makes this soup irresistible.
Carrots, diced: Imbues natural sweetness and pops of color in each hearty spoonful.
Corn: Brings a bit of crunch and a touch of sweetness, balancing the savory notes.
Frozen lima beans (or peas): For a bit of earthiness and even more veggie goodness—use whichever you prefer.
Onion, chopped: Aromatic and slightly sweet, the onion forms a flavor base that ties everything together.
Old Bay Seasoning: The essential seasoning for bringing that authentic Maryland crab soup flavor with a signature spice blend.
Oil (for Instant Pot): Helps sauté the veggies and build up even more flavor if you choose the pressure cooker method.

How to Make SLOW COOKER CREAMY CRAB SOUP

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables and Aromatics

Start by dicing your carrots and chopping the onion. This quick bit of prep is all you’ll need—everything else is a simple matter of opening cans and measuring! If using the Instant Pot method, you’ll want to have your oil handy for the sautéing step.

Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker

Add the crushed tomatoes, low-sodium beef broth, diced carrots, chopped onions, corn, and that all-important Old Bay seasoning to your slow cooker. Give it all a good stir to combine and mix the flavors together, setting the stage for a delicious base.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook your soup on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or LOW for 4 to 6 hours. This gentle cooking allows the flavors to develop and meld beautifully. Your house will gradually fill with a warm, comforting aroma that builds anticipation for dinner!

Step 4: Add Cream, Beans, and Crab

Just before serving, pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the frozen lima beans (or peas). Fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break it up too much. Cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, just until everything is heated through—this keeps the crab tender and juicy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is piping hot and perfectly blended, ladle your SLOW COOKER CREAMY CRAB SOUP into bowls. This is where the magic happens—creamy, savory, and just briny enough to whisk you away to the coast with every bite!

How to Serve SLOW COOKER CREAMY CRAB SOUP

Garnishes

This soup loves a finishing flourish. Try a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for color, a dusting of extra Old Bay for a flavor pop, or even a few buttery oyster crackers for crunch. A swirl of cream adds a restaurant-worthy look.

Side Dishes

Pair your SLOW COOKER CREAMY CRAB SOUP with crusty bread for dunking, a simple green salad to cut the richness, or a side of roasted asparagus to echo that spring-fresh vibe. It also plays beautifully with classic hush puppies or cheese biscuits if you’re feeling indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special presentation, serve the soup in mini sourdough bread bowls at a party. Or, ladle it into espresso cups as a refined appetizer course. Add shrimp or scallops for a seafood medley that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

SLOW COOKER CREAMY CRAB SOUP stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers even more crave-worthy for lunch or a repeat dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, though keep in mind creamy soups can sometimes change texture after freezing. To minimize this, let the soup cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Stir well while reheating to restore some creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often, or microwave it in short bursts, mixing between each. Avoid allowing it to boil to keep the cream and crab at their best texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned crab meat for SLOW COOKER CREAMY CRAB SOUP?

Absolutely! Both fresh and high-quality canned crab meat work here. Just be sure to drain and gently pick through canned crab for any lingering shells before adding it to the soup.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream?

For a dairy-free twist, try unsweetened coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream. The result is still rich and luscious, though the flavor will be a little different—just as comforting!

How can I make this soup spicier?

If you love a little heat, add a dash or two of hot sauce, extra Old Bay, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper right when you mix in the broth and veggies. Adjust to your spice tolerance and enjoy the extra kick.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely; this soup is perfect for gatherings! Double (or even triple) all the ingredients and split between two slow cookers if needed. Just keep your proportions the same and allow a bit more time for the soup to heat through.

What’s the best way to thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker texture, try stirring in a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, mash a few of the beans against the side of the pot for a more rustic thickness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to surprise your guests or simply treat yourself to a spoonful of cozy, coastal bliss, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch of SLOW COOKER CREAMY CRAB SOUP. It’s hearty, velvety, and packed with incredible flavor, yet comes together with minimal effort. Gather your ingredients and set your slow cooker—your new favorite soup awaits!