Crab Chantilly
Crab Chantilly is a rich, creamy seafood appetizer featuring shredded crab combined with savory cheese and herbs, topped with almonds and Parmesan for a delightful crunch. Perfect for special occasions or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Lightly butter a 9-inch quiche pan.
- Use a rolling pin to crush half of a package of crackers in a plastic bag.
- Whisk together whipped cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated lemon rind, finely grated onion, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Fold in the shredded crab meat.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared quiche pan.
- Top with slivered almonds, then the crushed crackers, grated Parmesan cheese, and a generous sprinkle of paprika.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. You can also use fresh crab meat instead of mock crab for an authentic flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Crab Chantilly as a delightful appetizer at gatherings, pairing it with fresh vegetable sticks or baguette slices. It also complements a crisp green salad or pairs beautifully with Trawler Restaurant Crab Dip for a seafood-themed party. For drinks, consider light white wine or sparkling water.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the toppings soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Chantilly contains roughly 527 calories, with 9g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 7g 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 Crab Chantilly ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Just add the toppings right before baking to keep them crispy.
What can I substitute for mock crab meat?
You can use real crab meat or shredded cooked chicken if you're looking for alternatives. Both options will provide a different flavor profile, but they will work well in this recipe.
How can I enhance the flavor of the dish?
Consider adding fresh herbs like dill or chives to the cream cheese mixture for added flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as adding a little cream cheese for extra creaminess.
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).