How to Make Delicious Crab Meat Stuffing – A Step-by-Step Guide

Crab meat stuffing is a delightful side dish that can instantly elevate any meal. With its rich, sweet crab flavor and tender texture crab stuffing pairs perfectly with everything from fish and chicken to vegetables. The good news is that making your own homemade crab stuffing is simple with just a few basic ingredients.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll provide tips on how to make the most delicious crab meat stuffing along with top recipes to try. Read on to become a crab stuffing master!

Crab stuffing, also called crabmeat stuffing, is a savory dish made by combining flaked crab meat with breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, and spices. It can be enjoyed in various ways:

• As a side dish – Serve crab stuffing instead of regular bread stuffing at holidays or alongside fish

• As a filling – Stuff it into mushrooms tomatoes chicken breasts, fish fillets, etc.

• As a dip – Bake crab stuffing in a dish until hot for a rich, creamy dip.

• Crab cakes – Form crab stuffing into patties and pan fry for delicious crab cakes.

The sweet, succulent taste of crab meat is perfectly complemented by crisp breadcrumbs, rich mayonnaise, and fresh herbs. Crab stuffing is simple to prepare and can be customized in endless ways.

Tips for Making the Best Crab Meat Stuffing

Follow these tips and tricks for flawless crab stuffing every time:

• Use fresh crab meat – Packaged pasteurized crab meat works very well. Make sure to drain off any excess liquid.

• Toast breadcrumbs – Toasting provides crunchy texture and enhanced flavor.

• Don’t overmix – Fold ingredients gently to keep crab meat chunks intact.

• Chill before using – Letting it chill helps meld flavors and makes stuffing easier to handle.

• Season generously – Old Bay, lemon, parsley, Worcestershire all complement crab wonderfully.

• Bind it – Mayonnaise or egg binds everything together and provides richness.

• Bake until hot – Bake at 350°F until piping hot before serving.

7 Must-Try Crab Meat Stuffing Recipes

Now let’s get into some easy yet tasty recipes for crab meat stuffing you can make at home:

1. Classic Crab Stuffing

This is the perfect basic crab stuffing recipe to enjoy as a side dish.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz crab meat, drained
• 1⁄2 cup toasted breadcrumbs
• 2 Tbsp roasted red peppers, minced
• 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1⁄2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1⁄4 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix together all ingredients except crab meat. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Gently fold in crab meat to combine.
3. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until hot and browned.
4. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve with seafood or poultry.

2. Cheesy Crab Stuffing

The addition of cheese makes this stuffing extra rich and decadent.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz crab meat, drained
• 1⁄2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp melted butter
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1⁄4 cup Parmesan
• 1⁄4 cup shredded cheddar or Swiss
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix together all ingredients except crab meat. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Fold in crab meat. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
3. Top with extra shredded cheese and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until bubbly.
4. Broil 1-2 minutes to brown cheese. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

3. Spicy Crab Stuffing

Give your stuffing a kick of heat with this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb crab meat, drained
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 Tbsp melted butter
• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix together all ingredients except crab meat. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Gently fold in crab meat. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
3. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Broil 2-3 minutes until crispy.
4. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

4. Herb Crab Stuffing

Fresh herbs make this stuffing extra vibrant.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb crab meat, drained
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1⁄3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 shallot, minced
• 2 Tbsp minced parsley
• 1 Tbsp minced dill
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix together all ingredients except crab. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Gently fold in crab meat to combine.
3. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
4. Broil 2-3 minutes to brown top. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

5. Bacon Crab Stuffing

The bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet crab.

Ingredients:

• 10 oz crab meat, drained
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1⁄2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1⁄4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix together all ingredients except crab meat. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Fold in crab meat. Chill 30 minutes.
3. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until hot.
4. Broil 2 minutes to brown top. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

6. Lemon Garlic Crab Stuffing

Bursting with bright lemon garlic flavor, this stuffing is delicious in fish or chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb crab meat, picked over
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 6 Tbsp mayonnaise
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 Tbsp parsley
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1⁄4 tsp cayenne
• Salt and black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients except crab meat. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Gently mix to combine.
3. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
4. Broil 2-3 minutes to brown topping. Let cool 5 minutes before using.

7. Crab and Corn Stuffing

Sweet corn perfectly complements the crab in this summery stuffing.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz crab meat, picked over
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1⁄2 cup breadcrumbs
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix together all ingredients except crab meat. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Gently fold in crab meat. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
3. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Broil 2-3 minutes until browned. Serve warm.

Get Creative with Crab Stuffing

Now that you know how to make basic crab stuffing, get creative and make it your own! Adjust any of the ingredients or use different seasonings to customize the flavors. Crab stuffing is very versatile, so have fun with it.

Here are some simple ways to put your own spin on crab stuffing:

• Add diced veggies like celery, bell pepper, zucchini, etc.

• Use different breadcrumbs like panko, Italian, or gluten-free.

• Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack.

• Add heat with spices like cayenne, chili powder, or crushed red pepper.

• Use fresh herbs like dill, basil, oregano, chives, etc.

• Mix in roasted garlic or caramelized onions.

• Swap in Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.

• Add citrus with orange zest or lime juice.

• Use crab claw, backfin, or leg meat for different textures.

• Top with crispy fried shallots or bacon before baking.

The possibilities are endless for customizing homemade crab stuffing! Use your imagination and the freshest ingredients to create crab stuffing masterpieces.

Storing and Serving Crab Stuffing

Properly storing cooked crab stuffing helps retain flavor and texture. Here are some tips:

• Let stuffing cool completely before storing.

• Place in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 4 days.

• Can also be frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw in fridge before using.

• Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.

In terms of serving crab stuffing, here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

• Scoop into shells or cups for appetizers.

• Serve warm in a baking dish for potlucks or holidays.

• Use as a topping for chicken, fish, or pork.

• Stuff into tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, etc.

• Shape into patties and pan fry for crab cakes.

• Mix with pasta, rice, or risotto.

• Make crab stuffing sandwiches or wraps.

From soul-warming sides to impressive appetizers, crab stuffing is endlessly versatile. With proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy homemade crab stuffing all week long.

Crab Stuffing Tips and FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about making crab stuffing:

What kind of crab meat is best?

Jumbo lump crab meat provides premium texture and flavor. Backfin lump and claw meat also work very well. Avoid canned crab meat.

Can I freeze crab stuffing?

Yes, cooked crab stuffing freezes well for 2-3 months in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

What binders can I use?

Mayonnaise and egg are common binders. Plain Greek yogurt also works well.

How do I reheat crab stuffing?

Gently reheat stuffed items or crab stuffing in a baking dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Microwave on half power.

Can I cook it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

No, crab stuffing should be baked in the oven to achieve the proper texture. Slow cookers make it mushy.

What can I stuff with crab stuffing?

Mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers, chicken breasts, pork chops, flounder, etc. Get creative!