Crab Sandwich Fondue
A rich and creamy crab sandwich casserole with flavorful cheese and seasoned egg-milk mixture, ideal for elegant brunches or special gatherings with seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix chopped celery, backfin crab meat, mayonnaise, prepared mustard, salt, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and paprika together in a salad bowl.
- Lay 8 slices of bread in a large buttered pan.
- Divide the crab mixture evenly and spread it on the bread slices in the pan.
- Top each with a slice of pimento cheese, then place another slice of bread on top to form sandwiches.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs and milk together and pour over the assembled sandwiches.
- Cover the pan tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 45 minutes until golden and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a bit of cream cheese to the crab mixture. If you're short on time, substitute canned crab meat for fresh, but ensure it's well-drained. You can also use any type of cheese you prefer instead of pimento cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crab sandwich fondue hot, straight from the oven, with a side of fresh salad or crispy potato chips for crunch. It pairs beautifully with Sea-Land Chowder for a hearty meal or can be enjoyed as an appetizer at gatherings. Consider adding a tangy dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crab sandwich fondue in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, but be careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Sandwich Fondue contains roughly 240 calories, with 5g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1320mg per serving (57% 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 different types of crab meat?
Yes, you can substitute backfin crab meat with lump crab or even imitation crab for a more budget-friendly option. Just ensure that whatever crab you choose is fresh and well-drained to maintain the dish's flavor and texture.
How long should I bake the sandwiches?
Bake the sandwiches at 325°F (160°C) for about 45 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning, and you can cover them with foil if they start to brown too quickly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for making ahead. After assembling the sandwiches and pouring the egg mixture over them, cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully 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).