Texas Crab Grass

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

A rich and savory crab and spinach dip with a creamy Parmesan cheese base, perfect for entertaining or a casual appetizer. Its indulgent flavors and smooth texture make it a crowd-pleaser, especially when served warm with Melba rounds or your favorite crackers.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 onion
  • 1/2 cup butter or oleo
  • 1 package frozen chopped cooked drained spinach
  • about 6 oz crabmeat
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Saute the chopped onion in butter or oleo until translucent.
  2. Add the drained cooked spinach to the onion and cook for a minute.
  3. Stir in the crabmeat and cook until heated through.
  4. Mix in the Parmesan cheese until well combined.
  5. Serve in a chafing dish with Melba rounds.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh crabmeat instead of canned for a richer taste. If you're out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute. You can also use fresh spinach instead of frozen; just cook it until wilted before adding. For a twist, mix in some cream cheese for a creamier texture, making it similar to other seafood recipes you love.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish warm in a chafing dish accompanied by Melba rounds for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with Steamed Oysters or light salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Flounder Amandine(Microwave) or a light pasta dish to balance the rich flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Texas Crab Grass contains roughly 407 calories, with 5g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value).

407 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.5g 11% DV
Total Fat 35.3g 45% DV
Carbs 17.1g 6% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 3.5g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 238.7mg 10% DV
Potassium 105.9mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 92mg 31% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.1mcg
Vitamin C 1.4mg 2% DV
Calcium 90.8mg 7% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Low-carb
Contains Milk

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 fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can absolutely use fresh spinach in this recipe. Just sauté it until wilted before mixing it with the onions. Fresh spinach will add a vibrant color and a slightly different texture, enhancing the overall dish.

What type of crabmeat should I use?

For the best flavor, opt for lump crabmeat if possible. However, you can also use canned crabmeat for convenience. Just be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the consistency of the dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving. This is a great way to streamline your preparation if you're planning to serve it at a gathering or party.

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).

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