Deviled Crab - Williamsburg Style
A rich, creamy crab casserole with a buttery breadcrumb topping, featuring delicate crabmeat, fragrant herbs, and a hint of sherry, perfect for seafood lovers and elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a saucepan.
- Remove 2 tablespoons of margarine and mix with fine dry bread crumbs; set aside.
- Add chopped onion to the remaining margarine and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Blend in flour, salt, and white pepper.
- Gradually stir in light cream and sherry.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Stir in crabmeat, chopped eggs, and minced parsley.
- Transfer the mixture into individual scallop shells, casseroles, or a 9-inch baking dish.
- Top with the prepared bread crumbs.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until crumbs are lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using real butter instead of margarine. If you're short on time, pre-cooked crabmeat can be a great substitute. Additionally, feel free to experiment with adding spices like Old Bay seasoning for an extra kick. If you prefer a crunchier topping, you can mix in some grated cheese with the bread crumbs before baking. This dish can also be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Deviled Crab with a fresh side salad, like an Island Salad, or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Hot Buttered Shrimp for a delightful seafood feast. For a more casual presentation, consider serving it in individual ramekins or as part of a seafood platter. A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 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. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overcook, as this can make the crabmeat tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deviled Crab - Williamsburg Style contains roughly 482 calories, with 22g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (147% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), and potassium (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2208mg per serving (96% 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 frozen crabmeat for this recipe?
Yes, frozen crabmeat is a good option and can be used in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the mixture. Fresh crabmeat will yield the best flavor, but frozen can still work well in a pinch.
What can I substitute for sherry?
If you don't have sherry on hand, you can substitute it with white wine or a splash of lemon juice mixed with water. This will add a similar acidity and depth of flavor to your dish. Just keep in mind that the final taste might differ slightly from the original recipe.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this Deviled Crab recipe gluten-free, simply replace the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You can also use gluten-free bread crumbs for the topping. Always check labels to ensure that all ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
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).