Baked Crab Salad
A rich baked crab salad featuring tender crab meat, hard-boiled eggs, and creamy dressing, topped with buttery crumbs. Perfect for elegant gatherings or seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except buttered crumbs in a mixing bowl.
- Place the mixture in seashells or a baking dish; do not grease.
- Sprinkle with buttered bread crumbs on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until the crumbs are golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. If fresh crab isn't available, canned crab meat works in a pinch but be sure to drain it well. To add more flavor, consider incorporating Old Bay seasoning or a dash of hot sauce. Using fresh herbs like dill can elevate the dish further, just like in Seafood Casserole With Mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
Baked crab salad is best served warm and can be garnished with additional parsley for color. Pair it with a light green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. It also makes a fantastic appetizer, similar to Nina'S Crab Quarters(Appetizer), perfect for entertaining guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked crab salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through, being careful not to overcook it, which can dry out the crab.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Crab Salad contains roughly 745 calories, with 5g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1451mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).
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 meat instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh crab meat will elevate the flavor of your baked crab salad. Just make sure to remove any shells and flake it before adding it to the mixture. Fresh crab adds a lovely sweetness and texture that canned versions may lack.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just add the buttered bread crumbs right before baking to ensure they stay crispy. This makes it a convenient option for gatherings.
What can I serve with baked crab salad?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine and a side of roasted vegetables or a classic Caesar salad. For a more casual meal, serve it alongside some crusty bread or crackers for dipping, making it a perfect choice for a brunch or light dinner.
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).