Ann'S Crab Cheese Spread
A creamy crab cheese spread with chili sauce and fresh herbs, perfect as an elegant appetizer for parties or gatherings, served with crackers for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, chopped onion, and lemon juice to form a ball.
- Place the ball in a sealed container and refrigerate for 3 hours.
- Ten minutes before serving, spread the dip (ball) on a silver platter.
- Spread half a bottle of chili sauce on top of the dip.
- Layer fresh crab meat on top of the chili sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve the dip with Triscuit crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a good substitute. Consider using imitation crab if fresh crab meat is not available. Fresh herbs like dill or chives can also enhance the flavor profile of the spread. This recipe pairs beautifully with Crab Meat Sandwiches for a delightful seafood feast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crab cheese spread with an assortment of crackers, particularly Triscuit for a hearty crunch. It also pairs well with sliced vegetables like cucumbers and bell peppers for a fresh contrast. This dish is perfect for gatherings, as it offers a tasty appetizer option that complements other seafood recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crab cheese spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve again, remove from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes for optimal spreading consistency. Avoid freezing as it may alter the texture of the cream cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ann'S Crab Cheese Spread contains roughly 182 calories, with 12g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (93% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), and potassium (42% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 10g 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 make this spread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spread a day in advance. Just follow the instructions, refrigerate it, and let it sit for at least three hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
What type of crab meat should I use?
Fresh lump crab meat is preferred for its sweet flavor and texture, but you can also use canned crab for convenience. Just ensure it’s well-drained and picked through for shells. Imitation crab can be used, but it will change the flavor profile slightly.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dip?
To modify the spiciness, adjust the amount of chili sauce you use on top. You can start with a smaller amount and taste as you go. For a kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or incorporating some crushed red pepper flakes into the cream cheese mixture.
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).