Deviled Crab Bake
Creamy crab bake with a hint of mustard and red pepper, topped with saltine crumbs, perfect for seafood lovers and elegant family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute minced onion in margarine until tender.
- Stir in flour, dry mustard, and salt; cook until well combined.
- Gradually stir in milk, cooking for 1 minute until sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice, red pepper, and parsley.
- Drain crab meat; chop hard-cooked eggs.
- Stir crab meat, chopped eggs, and half of the saltine cracker crumbs into the sauce.
- Pour mixture into a baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining cracker crumbs on top.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the sauce. If you're out of crab meat, canned tuna can serve as a suitable substitute, though it will change the flavor profile. Enhance the dish with a bit of Old Bay seasoning for a classic seafood touch. To save time, you can prepare the sauce a day ahead and combine it with the other ingredients just before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Deviled Crab Bake pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. For additional flavor, serve with a squeeze of lemon juice on top or a dollop of tartar sauce. Consider complementing it with sides like roasted vegetables or a light pasta salad to round out the meal. Explore more seafood recipes to expand your menu.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dish rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deviled Crab Bake contains roughly 1076 calories, with 70g protein, 170g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (351% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (236% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2939mg per serving (128% 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 meat instead of canned?
Yes, fresh crab meat can be used for a more vibrant flavor. Just ensure it is cooked and picked clean of shells. Fresh crab meat will enhance the dish's quality and provide a more authentic taste compared to canned options.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add the cracker crumbs on top right before baking to ensure they stay crispy and delicious.
What can I serve with Deviled Crab Bake?
This dish goes well with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, garlic bread, or a light vegetable medley. For a refreshing contrast, a simple cucumber salad or a citrus salad would also complement the rich flavors of the crab bake nicely.
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).