Slow-Cooker Old Bay Butter Garlic Snow Crab and Shrimp

This slow-cooker seafood boil brings together sweet snow crab clusters, jumbo shrimp, golden corn, and roasted garlic in a rich Old Bay butter bath.

It's the kind of dinner that feels like a special occasion but comes together with almost no effort—just layer the ingredients in the Crockpot, pour over the seasoned butter, and let the slow cooker do the work.

The result is a coastal feast that's perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Serve it over steamed rice with lemon wedges for a complete meal.

Seafood boils are a beloved tradition along the coasts, but they usually require a large pot, a burner, and constant attention. This slow-cooker version simplifies everything: you simply dump the seafood, corn, and garlic into the Crockpot, pour over a mixture of melted butter and Old Bay seasoning, and let it simmer low and slow.

The gentle heat keeps the shrimp tender and the crab moist, while the butter sauce infuses every bite with garlicky, spicy flavor. It's a hands-off way to enjoy a classic seafood dinner.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooker's low, even heat is ideal for delicate seafood. Unlike a rapid boil that can toughen shrimp or dry out crab, the gentle simmer keeps everything moist and tender. The sealed environment also traps the butter and seasonings, creating a concentrated sauce that coats every piece of seafood and corn.

Because the ingredients are layered without stirring, the flavors meld without breaking the crab clusters or mashing the corn. The butter and Old Bay seep down through the layers, seasoning everything evenly. The result is a cohesive dish that tastes like it simmered all day, even though the active prep is just a few minutes.

Notes and substitutions

Snow crab clusters are the star here—they're sweet, delicate, and easy to find in the freezer section of most grocery stores. If you can't find snow crab, king crab legs or Dungeness crab work beautifully.

Jumbo shrimp add heartiness, and their mild flavor soaks up the butter sauce. Use raw, peeled shrimp for the best texture; if using frozen, thaw them completely before adding.

Old Bay seasoning is a classic seafood boil blend with celery salt, paprika, and spices. It's widely available in American supermarkets. For a milder version, reduce the amount to 2 tablespoons. The butter can be salted or unsalted—if using salted, taste the sauce before adding extra salt. Serve with steamed rice and lemon wedges to brighten the richness.

• snow crab clusters: king crab legs or Dungeness crab clusters
• jumbo shrimp: large shrimp or prawns (adjust cooking time)
• frozen sweet corn: fresh corn kernels cut from 3 ears
• unsalted butter: salted butter (reduce added salt elsewhere)

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• small bowl
• slotted spoon
• measuring cups and spoons
• cutting board
• chef's knife