Hot Crab Meat Souffle
A rich and savory crab meat souffle with cheesy layers, perfect for special occasions or elegant dinners, combining creamy textures with flavorful vegetables and a crispy topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Diced 6 slices of bread and place in a long baking dish.
- Mix crab meat, mayonnaise, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, chopped celery, and grated cheese; spread over the bread.
- Trim crusts from the remaining 6 slices of bread and place over the crab mixture.
- Beat eggs, combine with milk and vermouth, and pour over the assembled layers.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Remove from refrigerator 2 1/2 hours before baking.
- Bake in a 325°F oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven, spread mushroom soup over the top, and bake for an additional hour.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of regular mayonnaise. If you're short on time, pre-cooked crab meat can substitute fresh. Ensure to let the dish sit overnight for optimal flavor absorption. To add a touch of spice, a dash of cayenne pepper can elevate the dish, similar to how it's done in Louisiana Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hot Crab Meat Souffle with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Hot Crabbies as an appetizer. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving. Consider offering crusty bread on the side to soak up any leftover sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven preheated to 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Crab Meat Souffle contains roughly 922 calories, with 11g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (34% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 883mg per serving (38% 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 imitation crab meat instead of real crab meat?
Yes, imitation crab meat can be used as a more affordable alternative. However, it may alter the flavor slightly. Ensure it is well-seasoned to enhance the overall taste of the souffle.
Can I freeze the Hot Crab Meat Souffle?
Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as it can change the texture of the bread and crab meat. However, you can prepare the layers ahead of time and freeze them separately, then assemble and bake when ready.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Grated sharp cheese adds a nice tangy flavor, but you can experiment with other types like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a milder taste. Just ensure the cheese melts well to keep the souffle creamy and delicious.
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).