Campbell’s Cream Of Crab Soup Recipe

Craving something hearty and comforting but with a touch of elegance? Enter Campbell’s Cream of Crab Soup! This creamy, velvety soup is the perfect balance of rich flavors and comforting warmth, often found as a favorite dish in coastal regions. Whether you’re living near the water or just dream of the sea, this soup transports you to a cozy, luxurious world of buttery crab goodness.

Campbell’s has long been a household name when it comes to easy, flavorful soups. While you can always grab a can off the shelf for a quick fix, there’s something extra special about making this dish from scratch. The fresh crab meat, the luscious cream, and the perfect blend of herbs and spices make all the difference. Let’s dive into the details of how to recreate this timeless recipe in your own kitchen!

Campbell’s Cream Of Crab Soup Recipe

This is a classic, easy-to-follow recipe that brings out all the rich flavors of crab in a luxurious cream base. It’s ideal for a special occasion, a weeknight dinner, or even served as a starter at a holiday meal. The best part? You can easily modify it to suit your taste or dietary needs. So, without further ado, let’s get into the recipe that’s both simple and sophisticated!

Ingredients Needed

To make this comforting soup, you’ll need just a few ingredients-most of which you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you get started:

• Crab meat (fresh or canned, 1 lb) – The star of the show! Fresh crab gives it a luxurious taste, but canned works well too. Just make sure it’s a high-quality option.
• Butter (1/4 cup) – Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the base of the soup.
• Onion (1 small, finely chopped) – For a savory depth of flavor.
• Celery (1 stalk, finely chopped) – Gives the soup a subtle, refreshing crunch.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Because garlic is always a good idea!
• Flour (1/4 cup) – Used as a thickener for the soup, making it creamy and smooth.
• Chicken broth (2 cups) – The base liquid for the soup. While you can use seafood stock for a more intense flavor, chicken broth is a great substitute if seafood stock is not available.
• Heavy cream (1 cup) – This is what will give the soup that creamy, indulgent texture.
• Old Bay seasoning (1 tsp) – A perfect seasoning blend to give the soup its signature flavor (you can add more if you like a bit more kick).
• Salt and pepper (to taste) – Simple but essential for enhancing all the flavors.
• Lemon juice (1 tbsp) – A squeeze of lemon to balance out the richness and brighten the flavors.
• Parsley (chopped, for garnish) – Adds a burst of color and freshness to the final dish.

Cooking Instructions

Making Campbell’s Cream of Crab Soup from scratch doesn’t take too long, and the steps are straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by chopping the onion, celery, and garlic. If you’re using fresh crab, pick through it to remove any shells or cartilage. Set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook, stirring frequently, until they’re softened (about 3-4 minutes). Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir it in to form a thick paste. Let it cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to get rid of the raw flour taste.
4. Add liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent any lumps. Then, add the heavy cream and continue stirring until the soup base becomes smooth and thickens up slightly.
5. Season and simmer: Stir in the Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Bring the soup to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the crab: Gently fold in the crab meat. Be careful not to break it up too much-chunks of crab make the soup feel indulgent and luxurious. Let the soup simmer for another 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through.
7. Taste and adjust: Give it a final taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you like it a little more tangy, add an extra squeeze of lemon.
8. Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down the ingredients to understand how each one contributes to this delectable dish:

• Crab Meat: The sweetness and delicate flavor of fresh crab elevate this soup from a basic cream soup to something special. Whether you’re using jumbo lump or backfin crab meat, it brings a coastal luxury to the dish.
• Butter: The base of many great soups, butter adds a rich depth and smoothness, helping to carry the flavors of the other ingredients. It’s key to making the soup taste indulgent.
• Old Bay Seasoning: A quintessential Chesapeake Bay seasoning, Old Bay is a blend of celery salt, paprika, mustard, and a variety of other spices. It’s the perfect complement to seafood, and a little goes a long way in this soup.
• Heavy Cream: This is where the soup gets its silky texture and richness. Heavy cream creates a velvety consistency that clings to the crab meat, making each bite luxurious.

Expert Tips

If you want to really nail this recipe, here are a few expert tips to keep in mind:

• Don’t overcook the crab: Crab meat is delicate, so when you add it to the soup, make sure you don’t let it simmer too long. Just heat it through so the meat doesn’t become rubbery or lose its texture.
• Use a good-quality broth: Since broth is the base of this soup, using a high-quality chicken broth (or seafood stock) will make a huge difference. Opt for low-sodium options if you’re watching your salt intake.
• Make it ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day after all the flavors have had time to meld. So if you’re planning for a dinner party or special event, make it the day before and reheat it just before serving.
• Adjust the thickness: If you want a thicker soup, add a little more flour to the roux. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a bit more broth or cream.

Recipe Variations

This soup is incredibly versatile, and you can tweak it in several ways to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy Crab Soup: If you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the soup. You can also experiment with a bit of chipotle for a smoky kick.
• Add Vegetables: For extra texture and nutrition, throw in some diced potatoes, carrots, or leeks. These vegetables complement the crab without overpowering it.
• Creamy Crab Bisque: For a more refined version, add a splash of sherry or white wine to the soup, then blend the soup with an immersion blender for a smooth bisque-like texture.
• Vegetarian Version: While this is a crab soup, you can make a delicious vegetarian version by swapping the crab for mushrooms (especially a hearty variety like portobellos) and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Final Words

Whether you’re making Campbell’s Cream of Crab Soup for the first time or you’ve perfected it over the years, it’s hard to go wrong with a recipe this versatile and comforting. The balance of rich cream, sweet crab, and the kick of Old Bay seasoning creates a flavor profile that’s both luxurious and satisfying. Plus, it’s so easy to tweak to your tastes or to make it your own. If you’re a crab lover, this dish is a must-try.