Crabmeat Spread Appetizer

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A creamy, flavorful crabmeat spread with a hint of horseradish and onion, perfect as an elegant appetizer on crackers for seafood lovers and party gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • 4 6 oz. cans crabmeat
  • 1 medium onion
  • 3 Tbsp. horseradish sauce
  • 3 Tbsp. milk

Instructions

  1. Mix together the cream cheese, crabmeat, diced onion, horseradish sauce, and milk until well combined.
  2. Spread the mixture evenly on crackers and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother spread, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the crabmeat with canned tuna or shrimp if desired. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the horseradish sauce or add a dash of hot sauce. Consider incorporating fresh herbs like dill or chives for added flavor. This spread can also be used as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

Serving Suggestions

This crabmeat spread is perfect served on a platter with an assortment of crackers or toasted baguette slices. For a delightful pairing, consider serving it alongside a light salad or fresh vegetable sticks for crunch. It also complements well with drinks like white wine or sparkling water. For more seafood ideas, check out recipes like Crab Biscayne.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover crabmeat spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, avoid freezing this spread as cream cheese may separate upon thawing. When ready to serve again, you can stir it gently to bring it back to the original consistency without needing to reheat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Crabmeat Spread Appetizer contains roughly 434 calories, with 3g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 591mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).

434 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.2g 6% DV
Total Fat 36.9g 47% DV
Carbs 22.7g 8% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 11.9g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 591.4mg 26% DV
Potassium 96.9mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 39.2mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 64.8mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 2.3mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 68.7mg 5% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Contains Milk

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 crabmeat instead of canned?

Yes, fresh crabmeat can be used in place of canned crabmeat for added flavor and texture. Just ensure it is cooked and shredded before adding it to the spread. Fresh crab will give the dish a more vibrant taste, making it an excellent choice for special gatherings.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make the crabmeat spread healthier, consider using a low-fat cream cheese alternative. You can also add diced celery or bell peppers to the mixture for added crunch and nutrients. Reducing the amount of horseradish can help lower the sodium content without sacrificing flavor.

Can this spread be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! This crabmeat spread can be made a day in advance, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before serving, give it a good stir to restore its creamy consistency.

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).

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