Hot Crab Meat Appetizers
Creamy, savory crab appetizer with a hint of horseradish and onion, perfect for entertaining or special occasions. Baked until bubbly and served with paprika garnish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix well until smooth.
- Transfer to a small ovenproof dish and sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the crab meat with canned tuna or shrimp for a different flavor profile. If you like spice, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the mixture. Serve with Snacker Crackers for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy dip.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hot crab meat appetizer with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing Mermaid Salad or can be enjoyed alongside crispy veggie sticks. This dish also makes an excellent addition to a seafood recipes spread for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. This helps maintain the creaminess and prevents it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Crab Meat Appetizers contains roughly 172 calories, with 3g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 544mg per serving (24% 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 appetizer ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
What can I serve with the crab meat dip?
This dip is great with a variety of dippers. Try serving it with pita chips, fresh vegetables, or toasted baguette slices. For a fun twist, serve it alongside Appetizer Shrimp Kabobs.
Can I freeze the crab meat appetizer?
Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the crab meat and cream cheese. However, you can freeze the uncooked mixture for up to 2 months and bake it straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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).