Cream Of Crab Broccoli Soup
Cream of crab broccoli soup combines tender crab and broccoli in a rich, creamy base with subtle seasonings, perfect for a comforting, elegant meal.
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 oz. package frozen Alaska king crab, thawed ⓘ
- 10 oz. package frozen chopped broccoli ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 2 cups half and half cream ⓘ
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain and slice the crab.
- Cook the broccoli according to package directions.
- Saute chopped onion in butter until translucent.
- Blend in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk and half and half, stirring constantly until thickened and smooth.
- Dissolve chicken bouillon cubes in the hot soup.
- Add seasonings, crab, and cooked broccoli to the soup.
- Heat through and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using heavy cream instead of half and half. If you don't have crab, shrimp or lobster can be substituted for a different seafood flavor. Adding a splash of lemon juice can brighten up the soup. When cooking the broccoli, ensure it’s not overcooked to retain its vibrant color and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cream Of Crab Broccoli Soup with crusty bread or a light salad for a well-rounded meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Salad In A Tomato Boat for a delightful lunch. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. Avoid microwaving for long periods as it can change the texture of the cream.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Of Crab Broccoli Soup contains roughly 825 calories, with 32g protein, 172g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (257% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (222% of the Daily Value), and iron (201% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 62g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh crab instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh crab can be used for a more vibrant flavor. Just ensure it is cooked and shredded before adding it to the soup. Adjust the quantity based on your preference, as fresh crab may be more flavorful than frozen.
Is this soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Make sure to check the labels on the bouillon cubes as well, as some may contain gluten.
Can I freeze the soup for later?
While you can freeze the soup, the texture may change upon thawing due to the cream content. To maintain quality, consider freezing the base without the crab and broccoli, then add them when reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).