Crab Claiborne
Crab Claiborne offers a flavorful blend of crab meat, green pepper, and seasonings, baked with cheese and paprika for a delightful appetizer or main dish suitable for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley ⓘ
- 5 drops Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 2 drops Worcestershire sauce
- 2 shakes Old Bay seasoning ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 pound crab meat ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9 x 9-inch pan with butter.
- Thoroughly mix together all ingredients except crab meat, cheese, and paprika.
- Fold in crab meat gently.
- Put the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the mixture.
- Sprinkle paprika over all.
- Bake at 350°F until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the mixture. If you don’t have crab meat, you can substitute it with cooked shrimp or even canned tuna for a different yet delicious seafood twist. Ensure to mix gently to keep the crab meat intact for a tender texture. Try using fresh herbs for more vibrant flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Crab Claiborne warm as an appetizer or a main dish, and pair it with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It also goes well with a glass of chilled white wine. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside baked haddock filets with sour cream for a delightful seafood spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the crab bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This method helps retain its crispiness on top without drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Claiborne contains roughly 555 calories, with 42g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (200% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (175% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 704mg per serving (31% 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 imitation crab meat instead of real crab meat?
Yes, you can use imitation crab meat if that's what you have on hand. Just be aware that the flavor and texture may differ slightly from real crab. Make sure to chop it finely and mix it gently to integrate it well into the dish.
How do I know when the dish is done baking?
The Crab Claiborne is done when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it's ready to serve. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it just before serving. This is a great way to save time, especially if you’re entertaining. Just remember to add the cheese and paprika before baking.
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).