Lump Crab Meat Dish
A delightful seafood casserole featuring tender lump crab meat combined with sautéed vegetables and topped with crunchy crackers and melted margarine. This dish offers rich flavors with a creamy texture, perfect for special occasions or a comforting family meal that highlights the sweet, delicate taste of crab.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté and brown the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper in 2 tablespoons of margarine.
- Make crumbs from the crackers and add half of the crumbs to the sautéed mixture.
- Add the lump crab meat and mix well.
- Place the mixture in a covered casserole dish.
- Thirty minutes before serving, pour the milk over the crab mixture.
- Top with the remaining cracker crumbs.
- Drizzle melted margarine over all.
- Bake at 350°F, covered, for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting butter for margarine or adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the crab mixture. If you prefer a spicier kick, diced jalapeños can be included with the bell peppers. When using fresh crab meat, ensure it is cooked and shelled properly. This dish can also be adapted to include a mix of seafood, similar to some seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lump crab meat dish alongside a fresh green salad or steamed asparagus for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with Anita'S Seacoast Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier option, consider serving it with rice or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the crab mixture in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to retain moisture. Reheat at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, to ensure the crab remains tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lump Crab Meat Dish contains roughly 2032 calories, with 39g protein, 231g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (223% of the Daily Value), calcium (93% of the Daily Value), and protein (79% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1227mg per serving (53% 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 instead of fresh?
Yes, canned crab meat can be used as a substitute for fresh lump crab meat. Just ensure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture. The flavor might be slightly different, but it will still work nicely in this dish.
What can I use instead of milk in this recipe?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk can be used as substitutes for regular milk. For a richer flavor, consider using cream or half-and-half instead.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, you can mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the crab mixture. Alternatively, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes on top before baking for an extra kick.
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).