Crab-Cheese Chowder(Makes 4 To 6 Servings)
A comforting crab and cheese chowder with tender potatoes, aromatic vegetables, and a creamy broth, perfect for seafood lovers and cozy meal occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter or margarine in a large saucepan; add onion and celery.
- Cook slowly until golden.
- Add potatoes, water, salt, and pepper; simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in processed cheese and crabmeat.
- Add scalded milk and chopped parsley; heat through but do not boil before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of Old Bay seasoning or a splash of white wine during cooking. If you don't have process cheese, Velveeta works well as a substitute. You can also use frozen crabmeat in place of canned for a fresher taste. Ensure to adjust the salt based on the saltiness of your cheese and crab.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley for color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad, such as Pea And Crabmeat Salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a side of Salmon Patties With Creamed Peas for a delightful seafood-themed feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling. If the chowder thickens too much, add a splash of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab-Cheese Chowder(Makes 4 To 6 Servings) contains roughly 1314 calories, with 10g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 130g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (65% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and potassium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1339mg per serving (58% 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 make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chowder a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the point of adding the milk. Store it in the refrigerator and add the milk when you're ready to heat and serve. This can enhance the flavors as they meld overnight.
Is there a way to make this chowder healthier?
Absolutely! You can swap half of the whole milk for low-fat milk or a non-dairy milk alternative. Additionally, using fresh crab meat instead of processed cheese can add more nutrients. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or carrots for extra fiber and vitamins.
Can I freeze this chowder?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture may change when reheated, particularly with the cheese and milk. However, if you must freeze it, do so before adding milk. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently and add milk before serving.
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).