Crab Stuffed Tomatoes
Crab-stuffed tomatoes are a delightful seafood appetizer with tender crab meat, savory stuffing, and melted cheese, perfect for elegant gatherings or light summer meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop the onion, celery, and bacon finely and fry in butter with the bread crumbs until the onion is tender.
- Flake the crab meat.
- Add the crab to the onion mixture and stir in lightly beaten eggs.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cut the tops off the tomatoes and scoop out the seeds.
- Stuff the tomatoes with the crab mixture, sprinkle with grated cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Serve the stuffed tomatoes on hot toast.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using cooked crab meat mixed with a dash of Old Bay seasoning. You can substitute the fresh white bread crumbs with crushed crackers or even gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. If you prefer a lighter option, try replacing bacon with turkey bacon or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version.
Serving Suggestions
These crab stuffed tomatoes are delightful served on hot toast, making for a great appetizer or light main dish. Pair them with a fresh Mediterranean Medley Salad for a refreshing side. A glass of White Wine Cooler With Lemon And Melon complements the dish beautifully, enhancing the seafood flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tomatoes soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Stuffed Tomatoes contains roughly 434 calories, with 13g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value) and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1138mg per serving (49% 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 canned crab meat instead of fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use canned crab meat as a convenient alternative. Just be sure to drain it well and check for any shell pieces before adding it to the mixture. Fresh crab will have a superior flavor and texture, but canned is a good time-saver.
Are there any vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the crab meat with cooked quinoa or finely chopped mushrooms. You can also add some sautéed spinach or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Can I prepare these stuffed tomatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing and hollow out the tomatoes a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then stuff the tomatoes just before baking. This makes for an easy and quick meal or appetizer when you're short on time.
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).