Maryland Cream of Crab Soup

Introduction

Maryland Cream of Crab Soup is the ultimate expression of Chesapeake Bay comfort—brimming with sweet lump crab meat, gently simmered in a velvety, creamy broth accented with fresh herbs and a signature dash of Old Bay seasoning. This recipe melds simplicity with rich flavor, making it an ideal choice for a cozy family dinner, festive occasions, or impressing guests with an authentic taste of Maryland.

Deliciously Unique Maryland Cream of Crab Soup

What makes this cream of crab soup exceptional is its balance of decadence and delicacy. The creamy base showcases the delicate sweetness of real crab, while traditional spices and a hint of sherry provide layers of depth, keeping the soup light yet satisfyingly rich. Served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and oyster crackers, it’s a show-stopper that captures the heart of any seafood lover.

Selecting the Best Crab Meat and Dairy

For truly authentic flavor, use fresh jumbo lump or backfin crab meat, carefully picked to avoid any shells. Using top-quality cream, half-and-half, or even whole milk amplifies the soup’s lush texture. Avoid overpowering the crab’s natural flavor—just a touch of Old Bay and sherry delivers the classic Maryland touch.

Assembling Your Maryland Cream of Crab Soup

Start by gently sautéing aromatics before slowly stirring in your creamy base—this builds flavor and ensures a silk-smooth soup. Once the crab meat is added, heat delicately to keep those sweet morsels intact. Finish with a splash of sherry and fresh parsley for an elevated flourish. Serve hot, with lemon wedges on the side for a bright zing.

Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Soup

This soup delights as a first course for an elegant dinner or as a comforting main when paired with a crusty baguette and simple side salad. For special gatherings, top with extra crab, a sprinkle of chives, or a light grating of nutmeg to impress your guests.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 bountiful servings. Each bowl is estimated at around 350–400 calories, depending on your dairy choice and add-ins. With plenty of protein and decadent creaminess, it’s best reserved for those occasions when you truly want to indulge.

Maryland Cream of Crab Soup (Recap)

The classic Maryland Cream of Crab Soup fuses sweet crab with rich cream and just the right amount of Chesapeake-inspired spice—a perfect crowd-pleaser for lovers of seafood and comfort food alike.

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Instructions

1. In a large heavy pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, sautéing until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture forms a blond roux (paste).
3. Gradually whisk in the seafood stock until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
4. Lower the heat and slowly add the half-and-half, stirring to create a creamy base. Do not let it boil (to avoid curdling).
5. Stir in Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
6. Add the crab meat and sherry (if using), folding gently to avoid breaking up the crab lumps. Heat through for an additional 3–4 minutes.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with more Old Bay, salt, or pepper.
8. Ladle into bowls, garnishing with chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve hot with oyster crackers on the side.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Maryland Cream of Crab Soup is an excellent candidate for meal prep—it holds well in the refrigerator and is easy to reheat for quick, satisfying meals throughout the week. Save and schedule this recipe to effortlessly plan your dinners and let CookifyAI generate smart, consolidated shopping lists tailored to all your weekly meal selections.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically sums up total ingredient amounts across multiple meals
• Shopping lists organized by grocery store aisle—no more zigzagging!
• Cuts down on duplicate purchases and forgotten items
• Makes weekly meal prep streamlined and stress-free

Pro tip: If you’re planning more seafood dishes or other creamy soups this week, schedule your recipes in CookifyAI—your grocery list will automatically combine dairy, broth, and produce quantities so you buy just what you need, which helps reduce food waste and saves money.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Enjoy the rich flavors of Chesapeake Bay in your own kitchen—this Maryland Cream of Crab Soup recipe is sure to bring warmth and delight to your table!