Hot Crab Special
A creamy, savory crab dip with a hint of horseradish and almond crunch, perfect for entertaining seafood lovers and served with light crackers for a delightful appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the milk, softened cream cheese, chopped onion, horseradish, salt, and Tabasco sauce.
- Fold in the cooked crabmeat into the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a 6 x 4 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top.
- Bake at 350°F until the mixture bubbles, about 15 minutes.
- Serve hot with light butter flavored crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese. If you don't have horseradish, a splash of lemon juice can add a similar tang. Adjust the amount of Tabasco sauce to suit your heat preference. To save time, pre-cooked crabmeat can be found at many seafood counters, making this recipe a breeze. This dish is reminiscent of classic American recipes, perfect for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
This Hot Crab Special is delicious when served warm alongside light butter flavored crackers. For a complete appetizer spread, pair it with a fresh vegetable platter or a light salad. Consider serving it with a glass of white wine or a light beer to complement the seafood flavors. It also pairs beautifully with Hot Creamy Crab Dip for a delightful seafood-themed gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may alter the texture of the crabmeat and cheese mixture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Crab Special contains roughly 465 calories, with 11g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1185mg per serving (52% 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 frozen crabmeat for this recipe?
Yes, frozen crabmeat can be used, but ensure it’s fully thawed and drained before adding it to the mixture. This will help maintain the right texture and flavor in your Hot Crab Special.
What can I substitute for the sliced almonds?
If you’re allergic to nuts or simply prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the sliced almonds with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for added crunch. Alternatively, sunflower seeds can also provide a nice texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and store it in the baking dish covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
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).