Hot Crab Souffle
A rich and savory crab souffle featuring tender bread, fresh vegetables, and melted sharp cheese, perfect for seafood lovers and elegant brunch or dinner occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cube four slices of bread and place them in a three-quart baking dish.
- Mix crab, mayonnaise, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and chopped celery.
- Spoon the crab mixture over the bread in the dish.
- Cube the remaining four slices of bread and place them over the crab mixture.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs and mix in milk, mushroom soup, and grated cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle paprika on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 40 minutes or until golden brown and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise or using whole grain bread. If you have leftover seafood, such as shrimp or lobster, feel free to mix them in for added flavor. Ensure that the bread is slightly stale to absorb the liquid better, preventing a soggy souffle. You can also add herbs like dill or parsley for freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hot crab souffle with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Microwave Asparagus Clam Chowder for a comforting dinner. Consider offering crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious flavors. This dish is perfect for brunch or a special occasion with friends and family.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the oven will help maintain the souffle's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Crab Souffle contains roughly 1132 calories, with 20g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), iron (41% of the Daily Value), and protein (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1530mg per serving (67% 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, canned crab meat is a convenient substitute and works well in this souffle. Just ensure that you drain it properly to avoid excess moisture. Fresh or frozen crab can also be used if preferred, but canned is a great time-saver.
What can I do if I don't have mushroom soup?
If you don’t have mushroom soup, you can create a homemade version by mixing cream of chicken soup with sautéed mushrooms, or use a cream sauce as an alternative. Adjust the seasoning to maintain the flavor profile of the dish.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the bread with gluten-free bread and ensure that the other ingredients, such as the soup and mayonnaise, are also gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy this delicious seafood recipe without the gluten.
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).