Baked Crab Spread
Creamy baked crab spread with bold horseradish and seasoned salt, perfect as an appetizer or party dip for seafood lovers and entertaining occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine crabmeat, softened cream cheese, milk, minced onion, horseradish, seasoned salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix well.
- Spoon the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. If you want to spice things up, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or substituting the horseradish with a bit of sriracha. You can also replace crabmeat with canned tuna for a different flavor. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This baked crab spread is perfect served with toasted baguette slices or crackers. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or vegetable platter for a complete appetizer spread. For a delightful meal, consider serving it alongside a bowl of soup or as part of a seafood recipes spread at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked crab spread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Crab Spread contains roughly 96 calories, with 3g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 554mg per serving (24% 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 frozen crabmeat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen crabmeat. Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing it into the spread. This ensures the consistency remains creamy and delicious.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter alternative, consider using Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese. They will alter the flavor slightly but will maintain a creamy texture in the spread.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to bake it fresh before serving for the best taste and texture.
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).