Cream Cheese Crab Spread
Cream Cheese Crab Spread is a creamy, flavorful appetizer featuring crab meat and a tangy cocktail sauce, perfect for entertaining and pairing with your favorite crackers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese and crab meat together thoroughly.
- Spread the mixture in a flat dish such as a glass pie plate.
- Mix ketchup and horseradish together to make cocktail sauce.
- Spread the cocktail sauce mixture evenly over the cream cheese and crab mixture.
- Serve with your favorite crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing. If crab meat is unavailable, canned tuna can serve as a great substitute. Adjust the amount of horseradish based on your heat preference; start with a little and increase to taste. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance freshness, similar to what you might find in a Seafood Newberg.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy crab spread is best served chilled, accompanied by an array of crackers, vegetable sticks, or toasted baguette slices. For a festive touch, consider pairing it with a light white wine or a refreshing cocktail. It also complements well with other appetizers like Avocado And Crab Dip or Clam Casino Dip for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crab spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals to prevent separation, or serve cold as intended. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture of the cream cheese and crab mixture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Cheese Crab Spread contains roughly 109 calories, with 2g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 940mg per serving (41% 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 make this crab spread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spread a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste when served.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! To add more heat, increase the amount of horseradish or mix in a dash of hot sauce. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to give it an extra kick.
What kind of crackers pair best with this spread?
Water crackers, buttery Ritz, or whole grain crackers all work beautifully with this crab spread. Their mild flavors allow the creamy mixture to shine, while adding a satisfying crunch. You could also try pairing with pita chips for a different texture.
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).