Appetizer > Seafood Appetizers > Crab Appetizers > Crab Puffs

Crab Puffs with Creamy Dill Dip Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup crab meat, cooked and shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 package puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp water

Creamy Dill Dip:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper

Special equipment needed:
- Pastry brush
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, red bell pepper, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the pastry sheets into 2-inch squares.

4. Place a spoonful of the crab mixture in the center of each square.

5. Brush the edges of the squares with the beaten egg.

6. Fold the squares over to form triangles and press the edges to seal.

7. Place the crab puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

8. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the tops of the crab puffs with the egg wash.

9. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

10. While the crab puffs are baking, prepare the creamy dill dip. In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

11. Serve the crab puffs warm with the creamy dill dip on the side.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature:
400°F
Serving size:
Makes 24 crab puffs

Nutritional information:
Per serving (1 crab puff with dip):
Calories: 120
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 3g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Canned crab meat can be used instead of fresh crab meat.
- Neufchâtel cheese can be used instead of cream cheese.
- Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream.

Variations:
- Add 1/4 cup chopped artichoke hearts to the crab mixture for a different flavor.
- Substitute the dill in the dip with other herbs like parsley, chives, or basil.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before using it.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the pastry sheets into squares.
- Don't overfill the crab puffs or they may burst open during baking.
- Use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash evenly.
- Serve the crab puffs immediately after baking for the best texture.

Storage instructions:
Store any leftover crab puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat the crab puffs, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the crab puffs on a platter and garnish with fresh dill or parsley.

Garnishes:
Fresh dill or parsley

Pairings:
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Grigio
- Sauvignon Blanc

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic mashed potatoes

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crab puffs burst open during baking, try sealing the edges more tightly or using less filling next time.
- If the pastry is not golden brown after the recommended baking time, increase the oven temperature by 25°F and continue baking until done.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the crab meat is fully cooked before using it in the recipe.
- Store any leftover crab puffs in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Food history:
Crab puffs are a popular appetizer that originated in the United States. They are typically made with a combination of crab meat, cream cheese, and other ingredients, wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden brown.

Flavor profiles:
The crab puffs have a rich and savory flavor from the combination of crab meat, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. The dill dip adds a tangy and herbaceous flavor that complements the crab puffs.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the crab puffs as an appetizer at a party or as a light lunch or dinner with a side salad.

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Taste: Savory, Creamy, Tangy, Herby, Aromatic, Zesty