Hot Crabmeat Spread
A creamy, flavorful crab spread with a hint of curry and lemon, topped with Parmesan cheese and baked to perfection. Perfect as an appetizer for gatherings, it pairs well with crackers and offers a rich, savory taste that delights seafood lovers and party guests alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the crab, cream cheese, and mayonnaise in a bowl.
- Add lemon juice, curry powder, Worcestershire sauce, and finely chopped onion to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a 7 1/2 x 7 1/2 x 1 1/2-inch baking dish.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. If you don’t have crab, consider using canned tuna or shrimp as a substitute. Adjust the spices according to your taste; a hint of Old Bay seasoning can enhance the flavor. This spread can also be made ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it perfect for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Hot Crabmeat Spread with an assortment of crackers or toasted baguette slices for a delightful appetizer. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or alongside a platter of fresh vegetables. For a fun twist, try serving it with ingredients from the Company Shrimp Boil or alongside a refreshing Carrot Tuna Noodle Salad for a complete meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the spread in a baking dish and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, but baking will maintain the texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Crabmeat Spread contains roughly 164 calories, with 11g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 20g 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 frozen crab meat instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen crab meat! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help maintain the texture of the spread.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mixture. You can also experiment with adding finely chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Is it possible to make this spread in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and then bake it just before serving. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
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).