Name: Southern Style Crab Boil
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 pounds snow crab legs; 1 pound large shrimp, deveined and shells on; 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 lemon, halved; 4 ears of corn, halved; 1 pound baby potatoes; 1 smoked sausage link, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, smashed; 1 onion, quartered; 4 tablespoons butter, melted; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional); Lemon wedges for serving

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A Southern Style Crab Boil is the ultimate seafood feast that brings friends and family together around a table piled high with seasoned crab legs, juicy shrimp, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and smoky sausage. Everything is boiled in one big pot with bold Cajun and Old Bay flavors, then served family-style with melted butter and lemon wedges for dipping. It’s messy, satisfying, and pure Southern comfort.

Southern Style Crab Boil

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 pounds snow crab legs

1 pound large shrimp, deveined and shells on

2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon salt

1 lemon, halved

4 ears of corn, halved

1 pound baby potatoes

1 smoked sausage link, sliced

4 cloves garlic, smashed

1 onion, quartered

4 tablespoons butter, melted

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Lemon wedges for serving

Directions

I fill a large stockpot about two-thirds full with water and bring it to a boil.

Then I add the Old Bay seasoning, Cajun seasoning, salt, lemon halves, garlic, and onion.

Once the pot is boiling, I add the potatoes and let them cook for about 10 minutes.

Next, I add the corn and sausage, letting them boil for another 5 minutes.

I place the crab legs into the pot and cook them for 5 more minutes.

Finally, I add the shrimp, cooking just until they're pink and opaque—about 2 to 3 minutes.

I drain everything and transfer it to a large serving tray or pour it directly onto a parchment-lined table.

To finish, I drizzle melted butter on top, sprinkle with chopped parsley if I’m using it, and serve with lemon wedges.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories per serving: 390 kcal

Variations

I like switching things up depending on what I have on hand. Sometimes I add clams or mussels for extra seafood variety. If I want more heat, I increase the Cajun seasoning or toss in a few dashes of hot sauce. When I want a smoky depth, I use andouille sausage instead of regular smoked sausage. For a buttery garlic twist, I stir minced garlic into the melted butter before drizzling.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For reheating, I either warm them up in the oven at 300°F (covered with foil) until heated through or gently reheat them in a steamer. Microwaving is possible too, but I make sure to cover them and add a splash of water to keep everything from drying out.

FAQs

What kind of crab is best for a Southern crab boil?

I usually use snow crab legs because they’re easy to find and cook quickly, but king crab or even blue crabs work well too.

Can I make this crab boil spicy?

Absolutely. I add extra Cajun seasoning, a few red pepper flakes, or even a halved jalapeño to the boiling water if I want to turn up the heat.

Do I need to peel the shrimp before boiling?

I leave the shells on for flavor and presentation, but I make sure the shrimp are deveined. They’re easy to peel after cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I don’t recommend cooking it ahead, but I prep everything earlier in the day—clean the seafood, chop the veggies, and measure the seasonings—so when it’s time to cook, I just drop everything into the pot.

What’s the best way to serve a crab boil?

For a true Southern experience, I cover the table with parchment paper and pour everything straight onto it. Everyone gathers around and digs in with their hands. No plates needed!

Conclusion

This Southern Style Crab Boil is more than a recipe—it’s an experience. From the rich aroma as it simmers to the joy of sharing it family-style, I always come back to this dish when I want to bring people together. It’s flavorful, festive, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether it's a summer picnic or a weekend celebration, this boil never fails to impress.

📖 Recipe:

Southern Style Crab Boil

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

A Southern Style Crab Boil is a festive and flavorful seafood feast featuring crab legs, shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage all boiled in a seasoned broth and served family-style with melted butter and lemon wedges.

Instructions

Fill a large stockpot about two-thirds full with water and bring it to a boil.
Add Old Bay seasoning, Cajun seasoning, salt, lemon halves, garlic, and onion to the boiling water.
Add the potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes.
Add the corn and sausage, and boil for another 5 minutes.
Add the crab legs and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes.
Drain everything and transfer to a large serving tray or pour onto a parchment-lined table.
Drizzle melted butter on top, sprinkle with chopped parsley if using, and serve with lemon wedges.