Crab Pecan Delight
Crab Pecan Delight offers a rich combination of crab, pecans, and savory flavors, perfect for elegant gatherings or special occasions with a creamy, crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté butter, chopped celery, chopped green onions, 1 cup of chopped pecans, and garlic in butter.
- Add salt and pepper to the mixture.
- Stir in crab meat and cream of celery soup.
- Slowly stir in evaporated milk and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased 8-inch casserole dish.
- Top with bread crumbs, remaining pecans, and dot with butter.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you don't have crab meat, shrimp or lobster can be great alternatives. Ensure the butter is melted before adding the vegetables to enhance their flavor. For a crunchier topping, mix in some crushed crackers with the bread crumbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Crab Pecan Delight with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like cornbread or rice pilaf for a fuller dinner. For an added touch, garnish with fresh parsley or serve with lemon wedges to enhance the seafood flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Pecan Delight contains roughly 1314 calories, with 19g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (51% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1723mg per serving (75% 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 frozen crab meat for this recipe?
Yes, frozen crab meat can be used, but make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the dish. This will help maintain the texture and flavor of the final dish.
What can I substitute for cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can use a homemade version by blending cooked celery with heavy cream, or substitute with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile that still complements the dish.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping. Be sure to check the labels on the cream of celery soup and evaporated milk to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
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).