Ruth'S Crab Boats
Crab boats feature baked potatoes filled with a creamy, cheesy crab mixture, perfect for seafood lovers and elegant dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Halve the baked potatoes and scrape out the flesh, reserving the skins.
- In a bowl, whip butter, evaporated milk, salt, cayenne pepper, grated onion, and grated Cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Add the potato flesh to the mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Gently fold in the crab meat.
- Refill the potato skins with the crab mixture and sprinkle with paprika.
- Reheat in a 450°F oven for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the crab mixture. If you don't have crab meat, cooked shrimp or even canned tuna from the Party Sandwiches (Tuna Filling) can be great substitutes. Ensure the potatoes are fully cooked for the best texture when refilling. For added creaminess, try using cream cheese instead of butter.
Serving Suggestions
These crab boats make an excellent appetizer or main dish and pair well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, serve alongside some Baked Catfish Fillets for a delightful seafood spread. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crab boats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method maintains the crispiness of the potato skins while warming the filling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ruth'S Crab Boats contains roughly 1297 calories, with 19g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 99g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (83% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and potassium (51% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 532mg per serving (23% 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 prepare the crab boats ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the potato skins a day in advance. Just cover them tightly and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven as directed. This saves time and allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
What should I do if I can't find crab meat?
If crab meat isn't available, you can substitute it with cooked shrimp or even use a can of tuna for a different twist. Both options will still yield a delicious result, making it a versatile recipe for various seafood lovers.
Can I freeze the crab boats?
Freezing is possible, but it's best to freeze the filled potato skins before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to cook them, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).