In the heart of culinary innovation, a tantalizing masterpiece awaits – the Ultimate Loaded Crab Poutine. Picture a symphony of flavors dancing on your palate, a celebration of land and sea in every bite. This dish transcends the ordinary, weaving together crispy homemade potato chips, succulent Alaskan snow crab meat, and a velvety Gouda cream sauce that whispers tales of comfort and indulgence.
Imagine the journey of each ingredient – the humble russet potatoes transformed into golden-brown chips, each slice infused with a promise of crunch and satisfaction. The Alaskan snow crab legs, steamed to perfection, yield tender, sweet meat that mingles harmoniously with the vibrant freshness of diced tomatoes, green bell peppers, and scallions. Topped with generous blue cheese crumbles, this dish is a visual and culinary spectacle, a feast for the senses.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Loaded Crab Poutine
- Potatoes: Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before frying. This removes excess starch and results in crispier chips.
- Crab Legs: If using frozen crab legs, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and flavor.
- Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheese for the Gouda cream sauce, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that may affect the sauce’s smoothness.
- Frying Potatoes: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil temperature is around 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying. Fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much.
- Making the Sauce: Heat the cream gently and avoid boiling it. Gradually add the cheese and stir continuously to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar or creamy Havarti for unique flavor profiles.
- Protein Variations: Swap out crab for lobster, shrimp, or even pulled chicken for a different twist on the dish.
- Vegetable Variations: Add thinly sliced red onions or roasted corn for additional layers of flavor.
Loaded Crab Poutine
4
servings45
minutes40
minutes455
kcal1
minuteDive into the ultimate comfort food with this Loaded Crab Poutine! Imagine layers of crispy homemade potato chips, succulent crab meat, fresh veggies, and a luscious Gouda cream sauce, all topped with tangy blue cheese crumbles. This dish is a showstopper for any occasion, bringing together the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Get ready to impress your guests with this mouthwatering appetizer!
Ingredients
For the Chips
2 pounds Idaho® russet potatoes, sliced into ¼ inch rounds (skins on)
4 cups vegetable oil for frying
For the Crab
1 ⅓ pounds fresh or frozen Alaskan snow crab legs
For the Toppings
1/2 green bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
2 small tomatoes, diced
1 scallion, thinly sliced (white and green parts)
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
For the Gouda Cream Sauce
1 1/2 cups light cream
1 1/2 cups finely shredded Gouda cheese
1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning
- Alternative Ingredients:
Potatoes: Sweet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes can be used.
Crab: Substitute with lobster or shrimp.
Blue Cheese: Use feta or goat cheese for a different flavor.
Light Cream: Half-and-half or whole milk can be used.
Gouda Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack can be substituted.
Directions
- Steam the Crab Legs: Steam the crab legs until hot and cooked through, about 12 minutes. Crack open the legs and remove the crab meat. Keep warm in a 200°F oven.
- Prepare the Gouda Cream Sauce: Heat the light cream over medium heat until steaming. Gradually whisk in the shredded Gouda cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add the seafood seasoning and mix well. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Fry the Potato Chips: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot over medium-high heat. Fry the potato slices in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 7-10 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels and keep warm in a 200°F oven.
- Assemble the Poutine: Arrange the fried potato chips on a large serving platter. Top with diced tomatoes, green bell peppers, crab meat, and scallions. Drizzle generously with the Gouda cream sauce and sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the loaded crab poutine immediately while hot and enjoy!
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- deep fryer
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 455kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 106mg
- Sodium: 602mg
- Potassium: 707mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 1025IU
- Vitamin C: 18.6mg
- Calcium: 362mg
- Iron: 1.4mg
FAQ- Loaded Crab Poutine
Can I use pre-cooked crab meat instead of steaming fresh crab legs?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked crab meat to save time. Just ensure it is properly thawed and warmed before adding it to the dish.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Idaho russet potatoes are recommended due to their high starch content, which results in crispy chips. However, you can also use sweet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes for a different flavor and texture.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the light cream with a plant-based cream (such as coconut or almond cream) and use a dairy-free cheese alternative for the Gouda and blue cheese.
Is it possible to bake the potato chips instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the potato chips. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), lightly coat the potato slices with vegetable oil, spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
Can I prepare any components of this dish in advance?
Yes, you can steam the crab legs and prepare the Gouda cream sauce ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat gently before assembling the dish. You can also slice the potatoes in advance and keep them in cold water in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry or bake them.
