Crab Smashed Potatoes

If you’ve ever had smashed potatoes or creamy crab dip, crab smashed potatoes is basically like these two had a baby. Like crab stuffed potatoes, but better.

close up of crab topped smashed potato with bacon


 

Crispy edges slathered in butter, topped with creamy lump blue crab, given another butter bath before being topped with bacon and baked. Serve as an appetizer, snack, side dish… or if you are like me, eat two as a dinner.

Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes emerged as a food trend a few years back. The concept is to bake or boil potatoes until soft, then smash them flat and bake them.

baking sheet of crab smashed potatoes

The process results in crispy, crunchy edges with a fluffy inside. I top mine with a zesty garlic butter and generally load them up with sour cream, bacon and scallions.

But not for these…

Crab Topping

I was experimenting with making my crab stuffed mushrooms (which have become an instant hit) and had crab filling leftover. I also had small red potatoes and company visiting, so these became a dish.

Crab topping is a little creamier than a crab cake, more of the consistency of crab dip, which makes it perfect for pairing with potato.

spatula holding a crab stuffed potato

You’ll need:

  • Cream cheese– I use full fat, but low fat is also an option.
  • Mayonnaise– A binder, mayo is made from oil and eggs so it helps keep things creamy but also holds it all together.
  • Shredded cheese– I strongly recommend freshly shredding your cheese instead of using pre shredded. Pre shredded is tossed in starch to prevent clumping but that can make for a grainy melt. Use cheddar, pepper jack or colby for best results.
  • Worcestershire sauce– adds depth and sophistication.
  • Seasonings– garlic powder, onion powders, Kosher salt, white pepper.
  • Blue crab meat – see below for lots of details!

Types of Crab Meat

For these, I use special crab meat. You can also use claw, but backfin or lump might be too big.

  • Claw– dark meat that comes from the claw, a little more stringy than other varieties.
  • Special– smaller pieces, comes from small little crevices or the “special” sections of the crab, good for flavoring and dips.
  • Backfin– some larger lumps coming from, you guessed it, the back of the shell, whiter meat, does well in crab cakes, feathery texture.
  • Jumbo lump– large, lumps of meat, the beauty is the large pieces used for crab meat cocktails or delicious to pop in your mouth plain, very tasty and moist.
crab topping in a mixing bowl

Crab meat is generally located in the fresh seafood section of the grocery store. I would strongly recommend getting one that is not pasteurized, but instead freshly packed and on ice.

I do not suggest using snow crab, king crab or imitation crab. They are different textures and flavors from blue crab.

Zesty Butter

My butter is really what makes these crabby potatoes better than your ordinary crab stuffed potato recipe. I use this magical mix on Cornish hens, pork and my smashed potatoes.

crab stuffed potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet

All you need is:

  • Unsalted Butter – You can use regular butter, just omit the Kosher salt.
  • Coarse Kosher Salt – I like being able to add my own salt and Kosher salt gives a less salty flavor while still enhancing other flavors.
  • Hot Sauce– Don’t worry, they aren’t spicy. This is just a hint of zest that elevates these bad boys to a new level.
  • Garlic – If you want a strong garlic flavor, use finely minced or crushed fresh garlic, but if you want a sweet garlicky taste, use the jarred minced garlic.
  • Pepper – Freshly ground gives you the most peppery flavor.

Crab Smashed Potatoes

Next, make the potatoes and then assemble. You can boil small red potatoes, which will take about 30 minutes, or microwave them for around 8-10. They need to be soft enough to smash easily with the bottom of a glass.

before baking- butter and crab topping

Baste well with garlic butter, then add a hefty dollop of crab topping before basting with garlic butter again and finally sprinkling with chopped bacon.

Bake until the edges are nice and crispy, remove and top with chopped parsley, chives or scallions. You can also add sour cream or additional salt and pepper, if you desire.

Crispy smashed potatoes slathered in butter, topped with creamy crab, given another butter bath before being topped with bacon and baked. #smashedpotatoes www.savoryexperiments.com

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crab smashed potatoes

Crab Smashed Potatoes

4.93 from 14 votes
Crispy smashed potatoes slathered in butter, topped with creamy crab, given another butter bath before being topped with bacon and baked.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

Potatoes:

Zesty Garlic Butter:

Crab Topping:

Garnish:

Instructions

Prep potatoes:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (for easy clean up).
  • Pierce potatoes well and place in a large microwave safe bowl. Add 1 1/2 cups water. Microwave on high for 8-10 minutes or until potatoes are soft when pricked with a fork.
  • Place potatoes on a lined baking sheet, smash each with the bottom of a glass. Set aside.

Make Garlic Butter:

  • In a small microwave safe bowl, combine unsalted butter, hot sauce, coarse Kosher salt, black pepper and garlic.
  • Heat for 30 seconds on high heat in microwave, stirring well until butter fully melts. Set aside until ready to assemble.

Make Crab Topping:

  • In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Kosher salt and white pepper. Mix until well combined. You can use an electric mixer or stand mixer for this portion.
  • Fold in crab meat.

Assemble:

  • Baste each potato with melted butter. Evenly divide crab topping onto each potato. Baste crab topping with remaining butter. Evenly divide chopped bacon.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until potato edges are browned and bubbly.
  • Remove and garnish with parsley, chives or scallions.
  • If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 266 kcal, Carbohydrates: 27 g, Protein: 8 g, Fat: 15 g, Saturated Fat: 7 g, Cholesterol: 40 mg, Sodium: 720 mg, Potassium: 781 mg, Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 3 g, Vitamin A: 366 IU, Vitamin C: 15 mg, Calcium: 61 mg, Iron: 1 mg
Author: Jessica Formicola
Calories: 266
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: crab stuffed potatoes, smashed potatoes
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Jessica Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and food lover behind Savory Experiments. She is obsessed with butter, salt and bacon and spends all her time in the kitchen and behind a camera. Jessica is a contributor to PopKitchen by Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal Food + Travel and more!

Read More About Jessica

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Questions and Reviews

  1. 5 stars
    Oh my goodness! I just added all the ingredients to my grocery list! These are going on the menu soon and pinned for the Holidays!