The holidays are all about getting together with loved ones. It’s a time to enjoy delicious food and create memories around the table. If you want to make your holiday meals more unique, try using jumbo lump crab meat. It adds elegance and flavor. Whether hosting a festive dinner or bringing a dish to share, these easy crab recipes will impress your guests. We have simple and tasty ideas like Crab Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites. These dishes will make your holiday meals unforgettable. Let’s explore these delicious recipes that bring the taste of the sea to your holiday table!
5 Easy Jumbo Lump Crab Meat Recipes For Holiday
- Crab-Stuffed Mini Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter
Mini potatoes are the perfect, bite-sized vessel for creamy, buttery crab meat. This dish combines the earthiness of potatoes with the richness of lump crab meat for a cozy, festive appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 12 baby Yukon gold potatoes
- 1 cup jumbo lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake mini potatoes for 30-35 minutes until tender.
- Cut a small slit in each potato, scoop out a bit of the inside.
- Mix cream cheese, garlic, crab meat, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Stuff potatoes generously with the mixture. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle Parmesan cheese.
- Broil for 3-4 minutes until golden. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve these on a rustic wooden board with extra garlic herb butter for dipping—perfect for cozy gatherings.
2. Christmas Eve Crab Bisque with Brandy Cream
Nothing feels more festive than a warm, velvety crab bisque served with a swirl of cream and a touch of brandy to celebrate the season.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups seafood or chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp brandy (optional but luxurious)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne
Steps:
- Sauté onions and celery in butter until soft. Stir in flour to make a light roux.
- Gradually add stock, whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in tomato paste, cream, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add brandy and jumbo lump crab meat. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with cream, fresh herbs, and extra crab meat.
Serve with toasted sourdough bread or puff pastry twists for dipping. Light some candles and make this the star of your cozy Christmas Eve dinner.
3. Jumbo Lump Crab and Sweet Corn Christmas Fritters
These fritters bring Southern warmth to your coastal feast, combining sweet corn, lump crab, and a creamy citrus aioli.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat
- 1 cup fresh or frozen sweet corn
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Citrus Aioli:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Steps:
- Combine crab, corn, flour, egg, milk, green onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl to form a batter.
- Heat oil in a skillet. Drop spoonfuls of batter and fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Mix aioli ingredients in a bowl and serve alongside the fritters.
Serve these golden cakes on a platter garnished with lemon wedges and festive parsley sprigs. The zesty aioli adds brightness to the dish.
4. Crab Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites
Mini crab mac ‘n’ cheese bites that are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They’re perfect for serving as appetizers at your coastal-themed holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup jumbo lump crab meat
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin.
- Melt butter and add milk to make a creamy sauce in a saucepan. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan until smooth.
- Mix the macaroni, crab meat, cheese sauce, and beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the mixture into the mini muffin tin and top each with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve Crab Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites on a sleek platter with fresh herbs, a drizzle of lemon butter, and a tangy dipping sauce.
5. Colossal King Crab Leg Risotto
A creamy, decadent risotto that pairs perfectly with the sweet and tender crab.
Ingredients:
- 2 colossal king crab legs (about 1.5-2 lbs each), cracked and meat removed
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups seafood stock (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Lemon zest for garnish
Steps:
- Heat the seafood stock in a saucepan and keep it warm over low heat.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the onion, garlic and sauté until softened, for about 3 minutes.
- Add the Arborio rice to the pan, gently tossing it to coat with the rich oil and butter. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the grains to take on a translucent glow at the edges.
- Pour in the white wine and cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice mainly absorbs it.
- Add the warm stock, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly. Allow the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more stock. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 20-25 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently fold in the cooked king crab meat.
Serve the risotto topped with fresh basil, a sprinkle of lemon zest, and additional Parmesan if desired.
Summary
Try easy recipes with jumbo lump crab meat for the perfect finishing touch to your holiday table. These recipes add luxury and flavor that everyone will love. You can use crab meat for a light appetizer. It also works well for a main dish that grabs attention. Crab meat brings elegance and a fresh ocean taste to your meal. These recipes are simple to make. They turn everyday meals into something special. This holiday season, enjoy sharing delicious moments at the table. Let the crab meat be the star of your festive feast! Enjoy every bite and create memories with loved ones.