Cedar Key Crab Tart
A savory crab tart featuring sweet Florida blue crab meat, melted mozzarella, and aromatic rosemary, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for seafood lovers and elegant gatherings, this dish balances rich flavors with a hint of herbs, making it a delightful appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Place the refrigerated pie crust in a pie dish or on a baking sheet.
- In a mixing bowl, combine crab meat, onion soup mix, milk, egg, rosemary leaves, and white pepper.
- Spread the crab mixture evenly over the pie crust.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and sliced ripe olives over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly, about 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some sautéed garlic or shallots with the crab filling. You can substitute the mozzarella with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a bolder taste. If you prefer a lighter option, use low-fat milk and a reduced-fat pie crust. To enhance the dish, try adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cedar Key Crab Tart warm as an appetizer or main dish. It pairs beautifully with a light green salad dressed in vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables. For a coastal touch, consider serving it alongside a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea. This dish also works great as part of a seafood recipes spread for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crab tart 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 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 1-2 minutes, but the crust may lose its crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cedar Key Crab Tart contains roughly 853 calories, with 16g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (48% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 796mg per serving (35% 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 canned crab meat instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned crab meat as a convenient alternative. Just make sure to drain it well and check for any shell pieces. However, fresh or frozen crab meat tends to offer a better flavor and texture, so if possible, choose that for the best results.
What can I use instead of onion soup mix?
If you don't have onion soup mix, you can create your own by combining 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. This blend will provide a similar flavor profile to the soup mix and enhance the tart's overall taste.
Can I freeze the crab tart?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked crab tart. Assemble it in the pie crust, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the freezer and bake it straight from frozen, allowing a few extra minutes of cooking time.
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).