Simple Deviled Crabs
Creamy and flavorful deviled crabs with a buttery breadcrumb topping, perfect as an appetizer or main dish for seafood lovers and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a saucepan; add flour.
- Stir over low heat until smooth.
- Add milk; cook until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat.
- Add chopped parsley, lemon juice, mustard, horseradish, salt, crabmeat, chopped eggs, and mix well.
- Pour into a greased casserole dish or individual shells.
- Top with breadcrumbs and dot with butter.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes or until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the mixture. If you’re out of crabmeat, canned tuna can be a tasty substitute, giving you a different but delicious flavor. Fresh herbs can enhance the dish; try substituting parsley with dill for a unique twist. Ensure your casserole dish is well-greased to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the deviled crabs hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley for freshness. They pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a side of garlic bread or your favorite seafood recipes like the New England Christmas Eve Seafood Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the breadcrumbs soggy and the filling unevenly heated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simple Deviled Crabs contains roughly 980 calories, with 28g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (136% of the Daily Value), and potassium (90% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2547mg per serving (111% 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 crabmeat for this recipe?
Yes, canned crabmeat is a convenient option and works well in this recipe. Just make sure to drain it well and flake it into smaller pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure even distribution throughout the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider mixing in some finely chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the filling. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using a spicy mustard instead of regular mustard for an extra kick.
What can I serve with deviled crabs?
Deviled crabs pair well with light, refreshing sides. A crisp green salad or a side of coleslaw complements the richness of the dish nicely. For a heartier meal, serve with garlic bread or roasted vegetables. For dessert, a light fruit salad could be a great finish.
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).