With all the time we’ve spending at home, we’ve done a lot more eating. We’ve gotten a bushel of crabs twice since the season has opened, and it’s not even Memorial Day. First world problems, right?
A bushel if blues usually constitutes one meal for our family, followed by a bunch of picking of the leftovers in the following days. We usually will take the legs and top shell off – making them easier to store in the fridge, as well as less mess and trash on your hands once picking commences.
I usually go for the standards when I have copious amounts of crab on my hands – my favorite crab cakes, cream of crab soup, creamy crab dip, Maryland crab soup. Sometimes I’ll go a little more out on a limb with something like crab pizza or a crabby Bloody Mary.…but crab pie? That’s a first for me.
I love savory pies – whether it’s a juicy tomato pie, or a quiche that’s chock full of roasted veggies and goat cheese. So, I was definitely down with the concept of a crab pie. Freshly picked crabmeat baked in a cheesy creamy custard base? Okay.
I’m happy to report it turned out to be a winner. If a crab cake and a bowl of crab dip were to have a lovechild – it would be this crab pie. It’s rich and filling, and super impressive. I served it warm, with a nice green salad to lighten and brighten – and it was a perfect meal.
Crab Pie
1 refrigerated pie crust
2 eggs
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup half and half
1 tsp J.O. or your favorite seafood spice
4 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
4 oz. swiss or mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 Tbsp finely chopped onion
1/2 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Roll out and place pie crust into 10-inch pie plate. Pierce bottom of crust a few times with a fork. Set aside.
In a medium bowl combine eggs, mayo, half and half, spice, cheeses, and onion. Mix until combined. Add the crabmeat and gently fold in until incorporated, being careful not to break up the lumps if possible.
Pour into pie crust and place in oven. Bake for about 40 minutes, until filling is set and top is golden brown.
Remove and let sit for about 30 minutes before cutting. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 days. Reheat in oven at 400 for about 10 minutes.
