Cozy Creamy Crab Soup (Old Bay Butter Pot)

When you want something warm and comforting that feels like it’s been simmering all afternoon, this creamy crab soup is the answer. It’s the kind of pot everyone “checks” twice — rich butter, gentle spices, tender crab, and melted cheese that turns every spoonful into comfort. 🤍

This is not a rushed soup. It’s slow, cozy, and meant to be enjoyed warm.

Ingredients

Seafood

• 1 lb lump crab meat (fresh or imitation)

Cozy Vegetable Base

• 8 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Creamy Broth

• 8 cups seafood broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Cheese Rule Melt

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (mixed in)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (on top)

Finish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh chives, chopped (for topping)

How to Make Cozy Creamy Crab Soup

Step 1: Build the Butter Base

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft, sweet, and translucent.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Stir in the garlic and red bell pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and glossy, without browning.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Pour in the seafood broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors settle and the pot starts tasting cozy.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Keep the heat low — no hard boiling.

Step 5: Add the Crab

Gently fold in the crab meat and chopped parsley. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until the crab is heated through and tender.

Step 6: Cheese Melt Moment

Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella until fully melted and creamy. Turn off the heat, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella on top, cover the pot, and let it sit for 2 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, top with fresh chives, and serve warm. Let that first spoonful be slow.

Timing & Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Serves: 4

Tips for the Coziest Pot

• Keep the heat gentle once the cream is added.
• Fresh lump crab gives the best texture, but imitation works beautifully too.
• Old Bay is key — don’t skip it.
• Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Final Thoughts

This creamy crab soup is warm, buttery comfort in a bowl. It’s rich without being heavy, cozy without being complicated, and perfect for nights when you want food that feels like a hug.