Crabmeat In Shells(Yields 12 Servings)
Delightful crabmeat in shells featuring rich, creamy sauce with fresh herbs and lemon, topped with buttery bread crumbs. Perfect for seafood lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Melt butter in a Teflon skillet; stir in flour and salt.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Add chopped parsley, lemon juice, dry mustard, and horseradish.
- Cook until thick, stirring constantly.
- Add chopped eggs and crab meat to the sauce.
- Fill shells with the crab mixture and top with buttered bread crumbs.
- Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of fresh crab and canned crab meat. If you want a bit of a kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. To make the dish more visually appealing, sprinkle some additional chopped parsley on top before serving. This recipe can also be adapted for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful crabmeat shells as an appetizer or main course. They pair beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving with a tangy dipping sauce or alongside a glass of crisp white wine. For a larger gathering, these can be part of a seafood buffet, complementing dishes like Shrimp And Crabmeat Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crabmeat rubbery. These can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crabmeat In Shells(Yields 12 Servings) contains roughly 588 calories, with 3g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 651mg per serving (28% 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 crab meat instead of real crab?
Yes, you can substitute imitation crab meat for the real crab in this recipe. While it may alter the flavor slightly, it will still provide a good texture and work well in the dish. Just ensure to chop it finely so it mixes well with the other ingredients.
How do I make the shells for this recipe?
You can use pre-made pastry shells or hollowed-out bell peppers as a base for this crabmeat filling. If you prefer to make your own, a simple pastry dough can be rolled out and shaped into small shells, then baked until golden before filling.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just fill the shells and bake before serving. This is a great strategy for hosting, allowing you to focus on other dishes or enjoy your guests. Consider checking out Freeze Ahead Appetizers for more ideas.
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).