As I crunched down on a fresh snow pea, the burst of flavor got me thinking: why not elevate this delightful legume into something truly extraordinary? Enter the Crab and Cream Cheese Stuffed Snow Peas—a stunning low-calorie appetizer that effortlessly combines the crispness of the peas with a luscious crab and cream cheese filling. Perfect for cocktail parties or casual gatherings, this elegant dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also packs a nutritious punch. With easy prep and an eye-catching presentation, these delightful bites will impress your guests while keeping your kitchen time manageable. Curious about how to create this refreshing twist on a classic? Let’s dive in! Why Are These Stuffed Snow Peas Amazing? Elegance Redefined: These Crab and Cream Cheese Stuffed Snow Peas are the epitome of sophistication. With their vibrant green exterior and creamy filling, they steal the show at any gathering. Low-Calorie Delight: Each bite bursts with flavor while being light on calories—approximately 65 per serving! It’s a guilt-free indulgence for health-conscious eaters. Versatile Ingredients: Substitute the crab with lobster or smoked salmon for a gourmet twist. Feel free to experiment with flavored cream cheese to invent new favorites! Quick Prep Time: With simple instructions, you can whip up this dish in no time. Plus, they chill beautifully, making party prep a breeze. Crowd-Pleasing Charm: These bites cater to various dietary needs—gluten-free and Weight Watchers friendly—ensuring everyone can indulge. Impress your guests with a delicious, memorable appetizer that will become a go-to recipe, just like Grilled Cheese Sandwich or Baked Mac Cheese! Crab and Cream Cheese Stuffed Snow Peas Ingredients For the Filling Snow Peas – A crunchy, fresh vessel perfect for stuffing; always opt for large, vibrant ones for the best results. Cream Cheese – Creates a creamy base for a smooth filling; consider low-fat cream cheese for a lighter option. Crab Meat – Provides a delicate seafood flavor; ensure it’s finely crumbled to avoid clumps in your crab and cream cheese stuffed snow peas. Parsley – Adds a fresh, herbal note; chives can be a milder substitute for a different taste. Garlic – Enhances flavors with a subtle bite; use fresh garlic for the best results, but garlic powder works in a pinch. Worcestershire Sauce – Introduces depth and umami; adjust the amount to suit your personal taste. Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors; season according to your preference. Optional Serving Suggestions Sparkling Wine – A delightful pairing that complements the appetizer’s flavors beautifully. Lemon-Infused Cocktail – Adds a refreshing contrast that elevates the dining experience. With this list of ingredients on hand, you’re just a few steps away from creating an elegant appetizer that will have everyone talking! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crab and Cream Cheese Stuffed Snow Peas Step 1: Blanch Snow Peas Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, gently add the snow peas and blanch them for 30 seconds until they turn bright green and are slightly tender. Quickly remove the peas and transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process. After a few minutes, drain the peas and set them aside on a clean kitchen towel. Step 2: Prepare Filling In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and crab meat, breaking up any large lumps until smooth. Stir in the chopped parsley, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until all ingredients are well-blended, creating a creamy and flavorful stuffing for your crab and cream cheese stuffed snow peas. Step 3: Fill Peas Carefully take each snow pea and, using a paring knife, make a gentle slit along the curved side to create a pocket. For easier filling, transfer the crab mixture into a pastry bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off. Fill each snow pea pocket with the creamy crab filling, ensuring they are well-stuffed but not overflowing, creating beautiful little bites. Step 4: Chill Once all the snow peas are filled, arrange them neatly on a platter. Cover the platter with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the filling to firm up, making the crab and cream cheese stuffed snow peas easier to handle and enhancing the delicious flavors. Crab and Cream Cheese Stuffed Snow Peas Variations Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own; the combinations are flavorful and fun! Seafood Swap: Substitute crab meat with lobster or shrimp for a gourmet twist. The rich flavors will elevate your appetizer! Herbaceous Note: Use flavored cream cheese, like garlic herb, to infuse extra zest without adding more ingredients. It’s a simple switch that maximizes flavor. Sweet Alternatives: Replace snow peas with sugar snap peas for a sweeter crunch. This change will add another delightful layer to your dish! Add Heat: Incorporate a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños into the filling to give your stuffed snow peas a kick. Spice it up just the way you like! Vegetarian Option: For a meatless twist, combine diced bell peppers or artichoke hearts with cream cheese. This creates a delicious filling that everyone can enjoy. Nuts for Crunch: Fold in some finely chopped walnuts or almonds into your filling for a delightful texture. The added crunch will surprise and please your guests. Zesty Flavor Boost: Add a bit of lemon zest to your filling to brighten the flavors and give an aromatic touch to your crab and cream cheese stuffed snow peas. Explore these variations to discover new flavor profiles and inspire your cooking journey! And if you’re also in the mood for something sweet, check out my recipe for Cookies Cream Ice or Cheesecake Ice Cream. Make Ahead Options These Crab and Cream Cheese Stuffed Snow Peas are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy elegant appetizers with minimal effort on your event day. You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the cream cheese, crab meat, parsley, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Simply store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the snow peas, blanch and cool them, then refrigerate them up to 3 days before stuffing. When you’re ready to serve, fill the snow peas with the chilled crab mixture and chill for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. By prepping ahead, you’ll ensure these delightful bites are just as fresh and delicious as when made on the spot! Expert Tips for Crab and Cream Cheese Stuffed Snow Peas Fresh is Best: Use the freshest snow peas possible; vibrant ones will offer the crunch you want for your crab and cream cheese stuffed snow peas. Cool Down Quickly: Make sure to immerse your blanched snow peas in ice water immediately to retain their crispness and bright color. Perfect Filling: Ensure your crab meat is finely shredded to prevent clumps in the filling, making it easier to stuff your snow peas. Chill for Flavor: Let your filled snow peas chill for at least an hour; this enhances the flavors and helps the filling firm up for easier serving. Artful Arranging: For a stunning presentation, arrange your stuffed snow peas creatively on a platter, drizzling with a bit of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flair. How to Store and Freeze Crab and Cream Cheese Stuffed Snow Peas Fridge: Store any leftover crab and cream cheese stuffed snow peas in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring they retain their fresh flavor. Freezer: It’s best to avoid freezing these stuffed snow peas as the cream cheese filling may change texture upon thawing. Enjoy them fresh for optimal taste! Reheating: If you have leftovers that have been stored in the fridge, eat them cold for the best experience, as reheating can compromise the integrity of the dish. What to Serve with Crab and Cream Cheese Stuffed Snow Peas Elevate your culinary experience by pairing these delightful bites with complementary flavors and textures that will impress your guests and ignite your senses. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: This velvety side adds richness, balancing the crispness of the stuffed snow peas beautifully. Citrusy Quinoa Salad: A light, zesty salad with fresh herbs and citrus enhances the seafood flavors while adding a refreshing crunch. Herbed Sliced Baguette: Perfect for scooping up leftover filling, this crusty bread provides a satisfying texture contrast against the creamy stuffed peas. Sparkling Wine or Champagne: The bubbly effervescence complements the richness of the crab and cream cheese while adding a celebratory touch. Zesty Cucumber Salad: A crisp, tangy cucumber salad refreshes the palate and adds a cool contrast to the warm gathering atmosphere. Lemon-infused Cocktail: A vibrant cocktail harmonizes with the appetizer’s flavors, creating a lively experience at any gathering. Roasted Asparagus: Slightly charred asparagus offers earthy notes and a pleasing crunch, pairing well with the delicate sweetness of the crab filling. Mini Cheesecake Bites: For dessert, these rich bites provide a perfect sweet finish, contrasting with the savory flavors of your appetizer. Stuffed Mushrooms: These umami-packed bites complement your stuffed snow peas, creating a diverse appetizer spread that guests can savor. Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit adds a bright, sweet pop that works wonderfully alongside the sophisticated taste of the crab and cream cheese stuffed snow peas. Crab and Cream Cheese Stuffed Snow Peas Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best snow peas for this recipe? Absolutely! When selecting snow peas, look for large, vibrant ones with a crisp texture. Avoid any that show signs of wilting or dark spots, as they may not taste as fresh. The fresher the peas, the better your Crab and Cream Cheese Stuffed Snow Peas will turn out! How should I store leftovers? You can store any leftover crab and cream cheese stuffed snow peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep them chilled, as they are best enjoyed fresh! If you notice them starting to wilt or lose their crunch, it’s time to say goodbye. Can I freeze the stuffed snow peas? I recommend against freezing your crab and cream cheese stuffed snow peas. Freezing can alter the texture of the cream cheese filling, making it soggy and less appealing when thawed. They are at their best when made fresh! What if my filling is too thick or clumpy? If your filling is too thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up, which helps create a smoother consistency. Additionally, ensure your crab meat is finely shredded before mixing; this prevents clumping during the stuffing process. Are these stuffed snow peas suitable for gluten-free diets? Absolutely! Crab and cream cheese stuffed snow peas are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check the ingredients in your Worcestershire sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free as well. Can pets eat crab meat in moderation? While crab meat can be safe for some pets in small amounts, it’s best to avoid giving them any of the seasoned filling, as certain ingredients like garlic can be harmful to dogs and cats. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your pet’s diet. Crab and Cream Cheese Stuffed Snow Peas: A Classy Delight Crab and Cream Cheese Stuffed Snow Peas are a stunning low-calorie appetizer that combines the crispness of peas with a luscious crab and cream cheese filling. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 5 minutes minsChilling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 4 piecesCourse: SnacksCuisine: AmericanCalories: 65 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Filling1 cup Snow Peas Preferably large and vibrant4 ounces Cream Cheese Low-fat for a lighter option4 ounces Crab Meat Finely crumbled2 tablespoons Parsley Chopped1 clove Garlic Minced1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce Adjust to tasteto taste Saltto taste PepperOptional Serving Suggestions1 glass Sparkling Wine1 cocktail Lemon-Infused Cocktail Equipment Potmixing bowlpastry bag Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBlanch Snow Peas: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add snow peas and blanch for 30 seconds. Transfer to ice water to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and crab. Stir in parsley, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth.Fill Peas: Slit each snow pea to create a pocket. Use a pastry bag to fill each pocket with crab mixture.Chill: Arrange filled peas on a platter. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1pieceCalories: 65kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 5gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.5mg NotesThese stuffed snow peas are gluten-free and Weight Watchers friendly. Serve immediately after chilling for the best flavor and texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
