Crabmeat Potato Boats
Crabmeat Potato Boats feature baked potato shells filled with creamy, cheesy, and savory crab mixture, perfect for elegant appetizer or comfort food with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake the potatoes until tender, then cut off the tops and scoop out the insides into a bowl.
- Whip the potato insides with butter, milk, salt, pepper, and grated onion until smooth.
- Fold in the crabmeat into the whipped potato mixture.
- Spoon the crab-filled mixture back into the potato shells.
- Place the filled shells on a baking sheet and bake in a 450°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Optional: refrigerate or freeze ahead of time, then bake for 30 to 45 minutes if frozen.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a splash of sour cream or using half-and-half instead of milk. If you don't have Cheddar cheese, mozzarella or a cheese blend can work well too. To enhance the flavor, try adding some Old Bay seasoning or a dash of hot sauce. This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover crab from other seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These crabmeat potato boats make a delightful main dish and pair beautifully with a crisp Tasty Toss-Up Salad for a refreshing contrast. Serve with a side of steamed asparagus or a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a more festive occasion, consider serving with a cocktail sauce or lemon wedges for added zest.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crabmeat potato boats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. If frozen, allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or bake from frozen at 350°F for 30-45 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crabmeat Potato Boats contains roughly 746 calories, with 8g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2011mg per serving (87% 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 fresh crab instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh crab meat will enhance the flavor of the potato boats. Just make sure to pick through the meat for any shells and use about 8 ounces to replace the canned crab. Fresh crab can be a bit more delicate, so fold it in gently to maintain its texture.
What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can use olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. For a healthier option, avocado or coconut oil can also work. Keep in mind that these substitutions may alter the flavor slightly, so adjust seasoning as necessary.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato boats ahead of time. Just follow the instructions up to filling the potato shells, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven as directed. If frozen, they can be kept for up to 3 months.
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).