Crabmeat Stuffing
Crabmeat stuffing combines tender crab, aromatic herbs, and seasoned bread crumbs, making it an elegant side dish perfect for seafood lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pick through crabmeat to remove shells.
- In a small saucepan, add butter, diced onion, diced celery, thyme leaf, crabmeat, white wine, lemon juice, chopped basil, and bay leaves.
- Heat on low for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When vegetables are tender, transfer the mixture to a food processor. Remove and discard bay leaves.
- Puree the mixture for 60 seconds, then add in bread crumbs and mix well.
- Stir in chopped fresh parsley.
- If the mixture is still wet, add more breadcrumbs until desired consistency is reached.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh crabmeat for a sweeter flavor, but canned crabmeat can be a convenient substitute. If you prefer a bit more spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. Make sure to finely chop the onion and celery for even cooking. If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread crumbs. Pair this stuffing with a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Serving Suggestions
This crabmeat stuffing is versatile and can be served inside baked bell peppers or as a topping for baked fish. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Scott'S Clam Chowder or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, serve it alongside steamed asparagus or a light lemon vinaigrette-dressed salad. Garnish with additional parsley for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crabmeat stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffing in a baking dish covered with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crabmeat Stuffing contains roughly 844 calories, with 13g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value), iron (85% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 14g 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 stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the point of mixing in the breadcrumbs. Store it in the refrigerator, and when ready to use, mix in the breadcrumbs and bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What type of crabmeat is best for this recipe?
Fresh lump crabmeat is ideal for its sweet flavor and texture. However, you can also use claw meat for a more economical option, which has a stronger taste. Canned crabmeat is another alternative, but ensure it's well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the stuffing.
Can I freeze the crabmeat stuffing?
Yes, crabmeat stuffing can be frozen. Portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, and it will last for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Avoid refreezing after reheating to maintain the best quality.
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).