Wilma Berry'S Crab Dip
Creamy crab dip with melted Cheddar, pimentos, and aromatic spices, perfect for parties or casual gatherings, served with Melba toast for a flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a double boiler, melt the butter.
- Saute the minced onion and bell pepper in the melted butter.
- Add the flour to the mixture.
- Combine the Pet milk with an equal amount of water to make a milk mixture.
- Add the milk mixture to the sauteed vegetables and flour to make a cream sauce.
- Stir in the chopped pimento, crab meat, grated nutmeg, cayenne pepper, salt, and Lea & Perrins.
- Add the grated Cheddar cheese to the mixture.
- Heat in the top of the double boiler, stirring until the mixture thickens.
- If the mixture becomes too thick for a dip, add a little half and half to thin it out.
- Transfer the dip to a chafing dish and serve with Melba toast.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh crab meat instead of canned, if available. You can substitute the bell pepper with diced jalapeño for a spicier kick. If you find the cream sauce too thick, adding a splash of white wine can enhance the flavor while thinning it. Grating the cheese yourself will give a better melt than pre-grated varieties.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crab dip warm in a chafing dish with Melba toast for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or can be accompanied by vegetables like celery or bell pepper sticks. For a more substantial meal, consider serving alongside Florida Fried Shrimp or Baked Salmon Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the dip in a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to maintain a smooth consistency. If it thickens, add a little half and half to restore creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wilma Berry'S Crab Dip contains roughly 1048 calories, with 21g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the Cheddar cheese with other varieties like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different flavor profile. Each will provide a unique taste and texture to the dip, so feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses.
Is it possible to make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat it gently in a double boiler or microwave, adding a little cream or milk to maintain the desired consistency.
What can I serve with crab dip besides Melba toast?
In addition to Melba toast, consider serving with crispy pita chips, breadsticks, or fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and cucumbers. For a twist, try pairing it with crackers or even slices of baguette for a delightful crunch.
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).