Hot Crabmeat Salad
A warm, creamy crabmeat salad blended with almonds, eggs, peas, and seasoned with onion and Tabasco, baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping for a delightful seafood dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flaked crab, chopped almonds, chopped hard boiled eggs, pimentos, and peas or beans in a bowl.
- Prepare a white sauce by heating milk, melting butter, and stirring in flour until smooth and thickened.
- Mix the white sauce with the crab mixture, seasoning with minced onion and a dash of Tabasco sauce.
- Put the mixture into a buttered baking pan.
- Cover the top with bread crumbs.
- Bake in a pan of water at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the crab mixture before baking. If you don't have almonds, walnuts or pecans can be used as substitutes. To save time, you can use pre-cooked crab meat, ensuring it's well-drained. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs on top. This dish is a classic in Southern cuisine, fitting well into seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Hot Crabmeat Salad warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a delightful side, consider serving it with cornbread or crusty baguette. This dish can also be a standout appetizer at gatherings, complementing other seafood recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the dish rubbery. This dish also freezes well; just be sure to wrap it tightly before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Crabmeat Salad contains roughly 676 calories, with 17g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value) and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Yes, using fresh crab meat will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Make sure to cook it properly before mixing it with the other ingredients. Fresh crab adds a delightful sweetness and can elevate this recipe to a new level, making it perfect for special occasions.
What can I substitute for milk in the white sauce?
If you need a dairy-free option, consider using almond milk or coconut milk as a substitute. Both alternatives work well in the white sauce, although they will slightly alter the flavor. Ensure to adjust the seasoning to balance any sweetness from the almond milk or creaminess from coconut milk.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, you can increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or add diced jalapeños to the mixture. Alternatively, incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper into the white sauce will give it a nice kick. Adjust the spice level according to your preference to create a more fiery dish.
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).