Crab In Cheese Sauce
A creamy, cheesy crab dish perfect for quick appetizers or light meals, featuring tender imitation crab in a rich cheese sauce served over toast or bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute the crab meat in a skillet with butter.
- In a large saucepan, combine Cheddar cheese soup, Cheez Whiz, and milk.
- Stir over medium-high heat until smooth.
- Reduce heat; stir in the crab meat.
- Let simmer about 10 minutes.
- Serve over toast, such as rye pump bread or seedless rye.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a dash of garlic powder or some chopped green onions while sautéing the crab meat. If you want a creamier texture, you can substitute half-and-half for the milk. For a unique twist, try using real crabmeat instead of imitation, but keep in mind it may alter the cooking time. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes that feature seafood.
Serving Suggestions
This Crab In Cheese Sauce is delicious served over toasted rye pump bread or seedless rye, enhancing its savory profile. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light salad or steamed vegetables. It also makes a great appetizer when served in small portions, and it can be complemented with a chilled glass of white wine for a delightful dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, but be careful not to overheat as it can dry out. Serve it again over fresh toast for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab In Cheese Sauce contains roughly 1368 calories, with 7g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 112g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value), calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein.
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 crabmeat instead of imitation?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh crabmeat for a more authentic flavor. Just remember that fresh crabmeat may require a slightly different cooking time to ensure it's heated through. The texture will be richer and more delicate compared to imitation crab.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese soup?
If you don't have Cheddar cheese soup on hand, you can make a simple cheese sauce from scratch using shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and a bit of flour to thicken it. This will give you a similar creamy texture and flavor for the dish.
Can I freeze the Crab In Cheese Sauce?
Freezing this dish is not recommended, as the texture of the crab meat may change once thawed. However, if you must freeze it, store it in an airtight container and consume it within a month for the best quality. Reheat gently after thawing.
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).