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Crab And Corn Crockpot Soup

April 12, 2025

Crockpot Crab and Corn Soup is an easy hands off soup that can be made ahead of time and is perfect if you are looking for an easy hands off recipe. This Crockpot Crab and Corn Soup Recipe is rich, velvety, and brimming with sweet corn and succulent crab; this recipe brings gourmet flavors to your table with minimal effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set-it-and-forget-it convenience with the crockpot
A creamy, indulgent texture with a subtle sweetness from corn
Easily customizable with various crabmeat or corn options
Impressive enough for a dinner party, simple enough for a weeknight.
Reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep

Who This Recipe is Perfect For

This recipe is ideal for:

Busy parents looking for a quick prep, no-fuss dinner
Seafood lovers who enjoy rich, coastal flavors
Entertainers in need of an easy but impressive dish
Meal preppers who want creamy soups that hold up well
Anyone craving warmth, comfort, and gourmet flavor in a bowl

The Beauty of Crockpot Cooking

Slow cookers are the best-kept secret for easy, restaurant-style soups. Letting ingredients mingle low and slow develops deep flavors without the need for constant babysitting. Meaning if you are a busy working, looking after children or just want a low effort soup, a crockpot soup is a great option! For this crab and corn soup, the crockpot does all the heavy lifting – you just need to toss in your ingredients and stir once or twice, and you’re rewarded with a tasty creamy soup.

Ingredients Needed for Crockpot Crab and Corn Soup

Base Ingredients

¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (homogenized is ideal)
2 cups half-and-half cream
2 cups corn kernels
(fresh cut from the cob, frozen, or canned—drained if using canned)
1 cup green onions or scallions, finely chopped
½ teaspoon white pepper
½ teaspoon seasoning salt
(or regular salt to taste)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (regular)
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Crab Options (Choose One Based on What You’re Using)

1 pound fresh lump crabmeat (best flavor and texture; add in final 30 minutes)
7½ ounces canned crabmeat, drained (add in final 1–1½ hours)
8 ounces imitation crabmeat, chopped (can be added at the start or halfway through)

Optional Add-ons (Flavor Boosters)

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional, added at the end to brighten flavor)
Hot sauce or cracked black pepper (for serving, optional)

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Fresh vs. Frozen vs. Canned Corn

Fresh Corn: This corn is sweet and crisp, it is perfect when in season. Use 4 large ears and cut off the cob before adding it to the soup.
Frozen Corn: Is a great year-round option. No need to thaw before adding.
Canned Corn: Convenient and easy. Drain before using to avoid watery soup.

Types of Crabmeat To Use For This Crockpot Crab and Corn Soup Recipe

Fresh Lump Crabmeat: The best quality crab meat to use. It is sweet, tender, and luxurious. However, fresh crab meat is more likely to break up so it is best to add it to the recipe in the last 30 minutes.
Canned Crabmeat: Is a budget-friendly option that works well in this crab and corn soup. You will need to drain the crab meat well and check for shells before use.

Dairy Options: Half-and-Half and Milk

Whole Milk & Half-and-Half: Create a creamy yet light texture.
Heavy Cream: Use for a richer, thicker result.
Dairy-Free: Try oat milk and unsweetened cashew cream for a similar mouthfeel.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need:

Crockpot or slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
Sharp knife & cutting board
Mixing spoon or heatproof spatula
Measuring cups & spoons
Optional: immersion blender (for a slightly pureed texture)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Crockpot Crab and Corn Soup Recipe

Step 1: Make the Roux on the Stove

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat:

Melt ¼ cup of butter.
Stir in ¼ cup all-purpose flour and cook, whisking constantly for 1–2 minutes until smooth but not browned.

💡 Why this matters: This roux helps thicken the soup and gives it a silky, creamy texture.

Step 2: Add Dairy to the Roux

Slowly whisk in 2 cups of whole milk, then 2 cups of half-and-half cream.
Continue whisking until the mixture starts to gently simmer (do not boil).

💡 Tip: Heating the dairy before adding it to the slow cooker avoids curdling and speeds up the process.

Step 3: Transfer Base to the Crockpot

Carefully pour the creamy mixture into your pre-warmed crockpot.
Add:
- 2 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup finely chopped green onions or scallions
- ½ tsp white pepper
- ½ tsp seasoning salt
- 1 tbsp regular soy sauce

Step 4: Cook the Base

Cover and cook on:
- LOW for 4–5 hours or
- HIGH for 2–2½ hours

🕒 During this time, the corn will become tender, and the flavors will start to meld together.

Step 5: Add the Crab Meat (Time Depends on Type)

Here’s the most important update:

Type of Crab	When to Add	Notes
Fresh or lump crabmeat (1 lb)	Last 30 minutes of cook time	Stir in gently to warm through without breaking apart
Canned crabmeat (7½ oz, drained)	Last 1–1½ hours of cook time	Holds up better but still delicate. Stir it gently
Imitation crabmeat (8 oz, chopped)	Halfway through cooking or at the start	More stable texture, suitable for longer cook times

Important: No matter the type of crab, never boil the soup after adding it. Let it gently simmer or heat through for the best texture.

Step 6: Final Adjustments & Garnish

Once the crab is heated through and the soup is hot (small bubbles around the edges, but not boiling):
- Taste and adjust seasoning—add more salt, pepper, or soy sauce if needed.
- Stir in ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley just before serving for brightness and color.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Optionally top with:
- Extra green onions
- Crusty bread on the side
- A sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for extra kick

Tips for Success

Avoid overcooking crab meat. If you are using fresh crab meat you need to add it during the last 30 minutes.
If soup becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of warm milk or broth.
Want extra flavor? Add a dash of Old Bay seasoning or smoked paprika.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage:

Let soup cool completely.
Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Stir frequently and avoid boiling to maintain the creamy texture.

Freezing:

Not ideal due to the dairy content—it may separate when thawed.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Cajun Crab and Corn Soup

Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Toss in diced red bell pepper and celery
Top with a few dashes of hot sauce

Low-Fat Version

Use 2% milk and light cream
Reduce butter to 2 tbsp
Skip the flour and instead use cornstarch slurry to thicken

Vegetarian Twist

Swap crab for diced potatoes or mushrooms
Use vegetable broth instead of seafood or chicken stock
Add smoked paprika or a splash of soy sauce for umami

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Pair this hearty soup with:

A crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette
Buttery garlic bread or toasted sourdough
White wines like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
Light lagers or pale ales

Make it a full meal with a dessert like lemon tart or fruit sorbet for contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen crabmeat in this recipe?

Absolutely. Just thaw it first and be sure to drain any excess liquid to prevent watering down the soup.

2. How do I make this soup thicker?

You can simmer it a bit longer uncovered or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) toward the end.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based milk like oat or almond and sub coconut cream or unsweetened cashew cream for the half-and-half.

4. What’s the best way to avoid overcooking the crab?

Add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking if you’re using high-quality fresh crabmeat.

5. Can I double the recipe in my crockpot?

As long as your crockpot is large enough (8 quarts or more), you can easily double the ingredients. Extend cook time by 30–60 minutes if needed.

This Crockpot Crab and Corn Soup is comfort food at its best—creamy, flavorful, and completely fuss-free. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or impressing dinner guests, this dish is guaranteed to hit the spot. With just a little prep and a few hours in the slow cooker, you’ll have a gourmet soup that tastes like it simmered all day on the stove.