Maryland Cream of Crab Soup

Indulge in the rich, coastal flavors of Maryland with this Cream of Crab Soup, a classic recipe that brings a taste of the Chesapeake Bay to your table. This creamy seafood delight is made with fresh lump crab meat, a touch of Old Bay seasoning, and a velvety base of butter, seafood stock, and heavy cream. Perfectly balanced with aromatic onions, celery, and a hint of optional sherry, this soup is the epitome of comfort and coastal elegance. Ready in under an hour, it’s ideal as a starter or a satisfying main course. Garnished with fresh parsley and an extra dash of Old Bay, this Maryland-inspired dish is sure to please seafood lovers and soup enthusiasts alike. Serve it with crusty bread for a truly heartwarming meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 1 small, finely chopped Onion
• 1 stalk, finely chopped Celery
• 4 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 4 cups Seafood stock
• 2 cups Heavy cream
• 1 pound Fresh lump crab meat
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground white pepper
• 2 tablespoons Sherry (optional)
• 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté until they are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and celery mixture. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to create a roux, ensuring the flour is fully incorporated and no lumps remain.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the seafood stock, one cup at a time, to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Allow the soup to heat through, but do not let it boil.

Step 6

Gently fold in the fresh lump crab meat, being careful not to break it apart too much.

Step 7

Season the soup with Old Bay seasoning, salt, and ground white pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 8

If desired, stir in the sherry for an added layer of flavor.

Step 9

Allow the soup to simmer on low heat for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld together.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2149.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2691.3

Total Fat 214.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 122.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Cholesterol 851.7mg	0%
Sodium 6931.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 41.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.1g	0%
Total Sugars 6.9g
Protein 104.2g	0%

Vitamin D 9.0IU	0%
Calcium 431.9mg	0%
Iron 7.3mg	0%
Potassium 2147.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 76.8%

Protein: 16.6%

Carbs: 6.6%