Crab Spread

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A delicious and creamy crab spread featuring imitation crab, crabmeat, and a blend of cheeses and almonds. Perfect as an appetizer on toasted English muffins, this dish offers a savory, cheesy flavor with a hint of crunch. Ideal for parties, gatherings, or a fancy snack that impresses guests.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. imitation crab
  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • 1 Tbsp. milk
  • 1 Tbsp. minced onion
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1 lb. crabmeat
  • 1 jar old fashion cheese spread
  • 1 stick margarine
  • garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 12 English muffins

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients except English muffins in a mixing bowl.
  2. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
  3. Spread the mixture evenly on the cut sides of English muffins.
  4. Place under the broiler until the spread is brown and crispy.
  5. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat cream cheese and adding a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. You can substitute real crabmeat if available, or use tuna for a different flavor. If you prefer a crunchier topping, sprinkle more sliced almonds before broiling. Adjust garlic powder to taste, or replace it with fresh minced garlic for a stronger flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This crab spread is perfect as an appetizer or snack, especially for gatherings. Serve it alongside a fresh salad like Mandarin Shrimp Salad for a light meal, or enjoy it with a glass of chilled white wine. It pairs beautifully with other seafood recipes, making it a versatile addition to your entertaining menu.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover crab spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread it on fresh English muffins and place them under the broiler for a few minutes until heated through and slightly crispy. Alternatively, you can microwave it briefly, but broiling provides the best texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Crab Spread contains roughly 810 calories, with 14g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value) and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1030mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).

810 kcal 40% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.5g 27% DV
Total Fat 58g 74% DV
Carbs 60.8g 22% DV
Fiber 4.3g 15% DV
Sugar 11g 22% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1029.8mg 45% DV
Potassium 251.8mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 7.4mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 34.6mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 2mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 103.3mg 8% DV
Iron 4.4mg 24% DV
Contains Milk Egg Tree nuts Shellfish

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 make this crab spread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just spread it on the English muffins right before broiling to ensure they stay fresh and crispy.

Can I freeze the crab spread?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the cream cheese may change when thawed. However, you can prepare the mixture and freeze it before spreading it on muffins, then bake fresh when you're ready to serve.

What can I serve with crab spread?

Aside from English muffins, consider serving it with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks. This spread also complements a variety of dips, making it a versatile choice for any appetizer platter.

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).

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