Crab-Stuffed Avocados
Creamy crab-stuffed avocados with garlic, cheddar, and a tangy vinegar infusion create a rich, flavorful appetizer perfect for seafood lovers and elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 avocados ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked crab meat ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 dash pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon grated onion ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt ⓘ
- 1 dash cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Peel avocados and cut them in half.
- Place half a peeled garlic clove and 1 tablespoon of vinegar in each avocado half.
- Prepare a béchamel sauce by melting butter, stirring in flour, and gradually adding milk to thicken.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, grated onion, celery salt, and cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Mix cooked crab meat into the sauce.
- Fill the avocado halves with the crab mixture.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake or broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the crab mixture. If fresh crab is unavailable, canned or frozen crab meat can be used as a substitute. For a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Lolly'S Shrimp Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve crab-stuffed avocados as an elegant appetizer at your next gathering or as a light lunch. They pair well with a crisp green salad or a side of tortilla chips for added crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving with a bowl of Cheesy Tuna Chowder for a comforting seafood combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crab-stuffed avocados in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven at a low temperature to avoid overcooking the avocado. Alternatively, you can enjoy them cold straight from the fridge for a refreshing snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab-Stuffed Avocados contains roughly 626 calories, with 23g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (56% of the Daily Value), calcium (53% of the Daily Value), and protein (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 make the crab-stuffed avocados ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crab mixture in advance and store it separately in the refrigerator. Just fill the avocado halves right before serving to prevent browning. This makes it a great option for entertaining, allowing you to enjoy time with your guests.
What type of crab meat should I use?
You can use fresh, canned, or frozen crab meat for this recipe. Fresh lump crab meat offers the best flavor and texture, while canned crab is a convenient and budget-friendly option. Just ensure you drain it well before using.
Can I substitute the cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Cheddar cheese adds a nice sharpness, you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative if you prefer. Each will bring a different flavor profile to the dish.
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).