Ruth'S Crab Pie
Ruth's Crab Pie offers a creamy, flavorful combination of crabmeat, cream cheese, and a tangy chili sauce mixture. Perfect as an appetizer or light entrée, its rich textures and zesty flavors appeal to seafood lovers and entertaining hosts alike, making it an elegant addition to any gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese with 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and a little lemon juice until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture in the bottom of a pie plate.
- Pick shells from the large can of backfin crabmeat.
- Spread the crabmeat over the cream cheese layer and sprinkle with lemon juice.
- Mix Heinz chili sauce, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, and lemon juice, then pour over the crab.
- Serve with Ritz crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing. If you can't find backfin crab, lump crab or even a mix of crab varieties can work well. Adjust the horseradish to your taste for spiciness. Serve with Ritz crackers for a perfect crunch, or try pairing with some fresh vegetables for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crab pie as a delightful appetizer or a main dish alongside a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with Ritz crackers, but you can also offer pita chips or sliced baguette. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a light soup, such as a seafood bisque.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover crab pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cream cheese texture grainy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ruth'S Crab Pie contains roughly 275 calories, with 7g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron.
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 make this crab pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crab pie a day in advance. Assemble it fully, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to bake it before serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
What types of crab are best for this recipe?
Fresh backfin crab is ideal for its flavor and texture, but lump crab or even canned crab meat can work in a pinch. Just be sure to pick through it for any shells and to maintain the quality of the dish.
Can I add other seafood to this pie?
Absolutely! You can incorporate shrimp or scallops for added flavor. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time if adding larger pieces of seafood to ensure everything is cooked through properly.
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).