Crab Cheese Spread
A creamy, flavorful crab cheese spread with herbs and nuts, perfect for entertaining or a savory appetizer for seafood lovers and cheese enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat together cream cheese, steak sauce, and curry powder until smooth.
- Blend in shredded cooked chicken, finely chopped celery, minced onion, garlic salt, and 2 tablespoons of parsley.
- Shape the mixture into a log and lay it on plastic wrap.
- Cover the log with remaining parsley and chopped almonds.
- Chill until firm.
- Serve with wheat crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the cooked chicken with canned crab for a more traditional crab dip. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. Feel free to experiment with different nuts such as pecans or walnuts for added flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This crab cheese spread is perfect for entertaining and pairs beautifully with wheat crackers or baguette slices. For a complete appetizer platter, consider serving it alongside fresh vegetable sticks, such as carrots and bell peppers, and try it with a side of Grandma Charron'S Rice And Artichoke Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crab cheese spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can microwave it on low power for short intervals until warmed through, but be careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Cheese Spread contains roughly 397 calories, with 16g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (56% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1003mg per serving (44% 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 spread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This spread can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it, shape it into a log, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight, and it will develop even more flavor. Just remember to garnish with parsley and almonds right before serving.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a soft cheese like ricotta as a substitute for cream cheese. This will change the flavor slightly, making it tangier, but it will still provide a creamy texture for the spread.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the spread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, so serve it with a side of fresh crackers for added crunch.
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).