Hot Crab Dish
A savory hot crab dish featuring tender crab meat, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and melted Cheddar cheese, blended with mayonnaise and seasonings. This creamy, flavorful casserole is perfect for seafood lovers and makes a comforting, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix crab and chopped eggs in a bowl.
- Blend the remaining ingredients (except cheese) into mayonnaise until smooth.
- Stir the mayonnaise mixture into the crab and eggs.
- Pour the mixture into a greased shallow 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the mayonnaise mixture. If you don't have crab on hand, canned tuna can be used as a substitute, though it will alter the dish's flavor profile. You can also add diced bell peppers for an extra crunch and color. This dish is reminiscent of classic American recipes, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Serving Suggestions
This hot crab dish is perfect as an appetizer or a main course. Serve it alongside a fresh Vineyard Summer Salad for a well-rounded meal. For a heartier option, pair it with French Fried Fish and a side of crusty bread. A light white wine complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover hot crab dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover the dish with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the dish rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Crab Dish contains roughly 960 calories, with 27g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (204% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1045mg per serving (45% 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 instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh crab meat instead of canned for a more vibrant taste. Simply cook and shred the crab meat, then mix it with the other ingredients as directed. Fresh crab will elevate the dish's flavor and texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just before baking, sprinkle the cheese on top and pop it in the oven. This makes it an excellent choice for gatherings or potlucks.
What can I serve with this dish?
This hot crab dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or crackers for scooping. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad, such as a Vineyard Summer Salad, to balance the richness of the dish.
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).