Hot Crab Meat
A creamy, flavorful crab dip with curry and Parmesan, perfect for entertaining or sharing as an appetizer with a crispy cracker crunch and bold, savory taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the crab, cream cheese, and mayonnaise in a mixing bowl.
- Add lemon juice, curry powder, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped onion to taste, mixing well.
- Transfer the mixture into a shallow baking dish.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot with Triscuits or your favorite crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use softened cream cheese and mix thoroughly. If you don't have Alaskan crab, you can substitute with canned lump crab or even imitation crab. Adjust the lemon juice and curry powder to suit your taste, as these spices can really elevate the dish. For a twist, consider adding a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor, similar to 'Old Reliable' Shrimp Dip.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hot crab meat dish with Triscuits or your favorite crackers for a delightful appetizer. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a light main course. For a complete meal experience, consider serving alongside 'Maryland Crabcakes' or other seafood recipes to create a delicious spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the crab mixture in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, but baking gives the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Crab Meat contains roughly 288 calories, with 27g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (108% of the Daily Value), iron (64% of the Daily Value), and protein (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 910mg per serving (40% 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 meat instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh crab meat will enhance the flavor of this dish significantly. Just ensure it is cooked and flaked before mixing it with the other ingredients. Adjust the other seasonings accordingly to complement the freshness of the crab.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the mixture before baking. You could also top it with sliced jalapeños or serve it with a spicy dipping sauce to give it an extra kick.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the crab with a mix of artichoke hearts and mushrooms, seasoned similarly. This will create a rich, flavorful dip that still satisfies, making it a great alternative for any gathering.
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).