Hampton Crab Imperial
Hampton Crab Imperial offers a rich, creamy blend of crabmeat, peppers, and spices, perfect as an appetizer or elegant main for seafood lovers. It’s flavorful and sophisticated.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Saute chopped pimiento and green peppers in butter until tender.
- Make a heavy cream sauce by melting butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat; stir in flour, milk, and salt. Continue stirring until mixture is smooth and thick.
- Combine the sautéed vegetables, cream sauce, and other ingredients except crab, mayonnaise, and paprika.
- Mix in 3/4 cup mayonnaise.
- Gently fold in crabmeat to avoid breaking up lumps.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of Old Bay seasoning to the crab mixture. If you want to lighten it up, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. Ensure the crabmeat is lump crab for the best texture. Be careful not to overmix when folding in the crabmeat to maintain its lumps.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hampton Crab Imperial hot, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika for color. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or crusty bread. For an elegant touch, consider serving it alongside Shrimp Louie for a delightful seafood-themed meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in intervals to avoid drying out. Adding a splash of milk can help maintain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hampton Crab Imperial contains roughly 484 calories, with 8g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (28% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2203mg 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 canned crab meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned crab meat, but fresh or frozen lump crab will provide better flavor and texture. If using canned, drain well to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you want a healthier alternative, try using Greek yogurt mixed with a little lemon juice for tanginess. This will keep the dish creamy while reducing calories.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavor.
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).