Crab Florentine
Crab Florentine is a rich, creamy dish featuring tender spinach and imitation crab, topped with cheese and baked to perfection—ideal for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spread thawed and drained chopped spinach evenly in the bottom of two 9 x 13-inch casseroles.
- Arrange imitation crab evenly on top of the spinach in each casserole.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in flour until well combined.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.
- Add white wine and chopped scallions to the sauce.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce bubbles and thickens.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning to taste.
- Add enough paprika to give the sauce a rosy color.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the crab in both casseroles.
- Sprinkle the casseroles with cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Casseroles can be made ahead and frozen.
- When ready to serve, bake frozen casseroles at 350°F for 1 1/2 hours until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding cream cheese or sour cream. If you prefer a lighter version, use low-fat milk or a milk alternative. Fresh spinach can be substituted for frozen, but ensure to sauté it first. To enhance flavors, you could also add a pinch of Old Bay seasoning to the sauce, reminiscent of classic seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Crab Florentine with a side of buttery garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. A crisp white wine pairs beautifully, enhancing the dish's flavors. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Aunt Nancy'S Oyster Pie for a delicious seafood spread that impresses guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If frozen, transfer to the fridge to thaw overnight before reheating. This dish can also be reheated in a microwave, but oven reheating will keep it crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Florentine contains roughly 447 calories, with 18g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 779mg per serving (34% 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 fresh crab instead of imitation crab?
Yes, fresh crab can be used for a more authentic flavor. Ensure it's cooked and flaked before layering it on the spinach. The cooking time may slightly vary, so keep an eye on the baking process.
What type of cheese should I sprinkle on top?
A blend of mozzarella and Parmesan works well for a nice melt and flavor. Alternatively, cheddar can add a sharpness that complements the dish. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and assemble the casseroles ahead of time, then freeze them. Just remember to adjust the baking time if cooking from frozen, as it will take longer to heat through.
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).