Crab Hors D'Oeuvre
Crab Hors D'Oeuvre offers a creamy, savory bite with crab, garlic, and mayonnaise on bread rounds, perfect for parties or elegant appetizers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Using a biscuit cutter, cut 2 medium and 2 small rounds from each slice of bread.
- Mix cream cheese, garlic, drained crab or imitation crab, crab juice or milk, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper together.
- Spread the mixture on the bread rounds.
- Garnish with parsley, a slice of olive, pimento, or any colorful decoration.
- Place in a 350°F oven until the mixture bubbles.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother mixture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. If you're out of crab juice, a splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavor. Consider using whole grain or rye bread for added texture and depth. For a variation, try adding chopped green onions or dill to the cream cheese mixture. This dish is a great addition to any seafood recipes collection.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these crab hors d'oeuvres warm as a delightful starter for gatherings or parties. They pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a light beer. For a more substantial meal, consider serving alongside a fresh salad or as part of a seafood platter. These bites also complement well with other seafood recipes like Caviar Canape.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crab hors d'oeuvres in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Hors D'Oeuvre contains roughly 111 calories, with 5g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2025mg per serving (88% 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 canned?
Absolutely! Fresh crab meat will elevate the flavor of this dish. Just ensure it's cooked and shredded before mixing it with the other ingredients. It might be a bit more expensive, but the taste is worth it.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute Neufchâtel cheese or Greek yogurt for the cream cheese. Both will provide a similar creaminess while reducing fat content. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly.
How can I make this dish more visually appealing?
Garnishing is key! Consider using colorful toppings like diced bell peppers, fresh herbs, or even finely chopped chives. You can also arrange the hors d'oeuvres on a decorative platter, paired with lemon wedges for a pop of color and freshness.
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).