Crab Special
A creamy crab and cocktail sauce dip that’s perfect for entertaining, served with crackers for a savory, seafood-flavored appetizer suitable for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place cream cheese on a serving plate.
- Pour enough cocktail sauce over the cream cheese to cover it.
- Sprinkle with half of the crabmeat.
- When the cream cheese is about half gone, cover again with cocktail sauce and the remaining crabmeat.
- Serve with assorted crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped green onions or bell peppers with the crabmeat. If you don’t have crabmeat on hand, shredded cooked shrimp can be a great substitute. Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy spreading. This dish is a fantastic option for parties, similar to Seafood recipes like Shrimp Rounds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crab special with a variety of crackers, ranging from plain to herb-flavored, to enhance the dish’s taste. It pairs beautifully with Ruth'S Shrimp Salad for a delightful seafood spread. Consider adding a fresh vegetable platter on the side for a colorful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds at a time, being careful not to melt the cream cheese too much. This dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Special contains roughly 463 calories, with 9g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 596mg per serving (26% 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 imitation crabmeat instead of real crabmeat?
Yes, imitation crabmeat can be used as a more affordable alternative. Just ensure to chop it finely so it mixes well with the cream cheese and cocktail sauce. While it may alter the flavor slightly, it will still provide a delicious dip.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the cocktail sauce before pouring it over the cream cheese. You can also serve it with spicy crackers to enhance the flavor profile.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
This crab special is excellent with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad, vegetable sticks, or even shrimp in puff pastry for an elegant touch. A chilled white wine can also complement the flavors beautifully.
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).