Crabmeat Appetizer
Creamy crabmeat appetizer with a hint of curry, baked until golden and perfect for spreading on crackers or serving as a sophisticated starter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine crabmeat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder, and grated onion until well blended.
- Transfer the mixture into a pie pan.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Spread over crackers and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning or a splash of hot sauce. If you don’t have crabmeat, imitation crab can be a budget-friendly substitute. Ensure your cream cheese is softened for easy mixing. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Serving Suggestions
This crabmeat appetizer pairs beautifully with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks. Consider serving it alongside a light salad or a refreshing dip like tzatziki. For a full meal experience, you can serve it as an appetizer before a seafood main dish or even alongside American recipes for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the crabmeat mixture in an oven-safe dish and warm it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crabmeat Appetizer contains roughly 154 calories, with 6g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value) and iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 20g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 crabmeat appetizer ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it right before serving to enjoy the warm, bubbly texture.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
For a healthier alternative, you can use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt. Both options will provide a creamy texture while reducing calories.
How can I enhance the flavor of this dish?
Adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley can brighten the flavor. Additionally, a touch of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika could elevate the taste profile.
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).