If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s bursting with flavor and brings just the right touch of elegance to any gathering, the Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches Recipe is your new best friend. These bite-sized delights combine succulent crab and tender shrimp with sharp cheddar cheese and a creamy, fluffy filling, all nestled inside crisp mini phyllo shells. This recipe is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a visually impressive treat that’s easy to whip up in less than half an hour. Get ready to impress friends and family with these irresistible seafood quiches that are as delicious as they are adorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that make these mini quiches unforgettable. Fresh seafood gives the perfect briny sweetness, cheddar cheese adds a sharp, comforting bite, and the spices and green onions bring freshness and a little zing to every mouthful.
- 1 cup cooked crab meat: Choose fresh or high-quality lump crab to keep the flavor sweet and delicate.
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped: Small, tender pieces mix evenly for a consistent seafood taste in every bite.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar offers a rich, creamy contrast that melds beautifully with the seafood.
- 4 large eggs: The base of the quiche filling, creating that classic custard texture.
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream: Adds richness and ensures a luscious, velvety filling.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions: For a hint of fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overwhelming the seafood.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds just enough spice to balance the dish.
- 1/4 tsp paprika: A subtle smoky note that deepens the overall flavor.
- 1 package (about 24) mini phyllo or pastry shells: The perfect crisp and buttery vessel for the luscious filling.
How to Make Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake your quiches for that nice golden finish.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, salt, black pepper, and paprika. This mixture forms the silky custard base that will hold all the tasty fillings together.
Step 3: Combine the Filling Ingredients
Now gently fold the cooked crab meat, chopped shrimp, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped green onions into the egg mixture. Mixing everything evenly ensures every mini quiche is packed with flavor and texture.
Step 4: Fill the Mini Shells
Arrange your mini phyllo or pastry shells on a baking sheet. Then carefully spoon the filling into each shell, filling it nearly to the top but leaving a little room to let the filling set perfectly in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the filled shells for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the custard is set and the tops turn a light golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when a gentle jiggle is gone and the edges look delicately crisp.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve
Remove the quiches from the oven and allow them to cool just a bit. This step makes them easier to handle and lets the flavors meld, making every bite a little celebration of taste and texture.
How to Serve Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few delicate chives can elevate the presentation with a splash of green and fresh herby notes. For a gourmet touch, a tiny dollop of lemon aioli or a drizzle of hot sauce adds just the right zing to accentuate the flavors.
Side Dishes
These mini quiches pair beautifully with a light mixed greens salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette. They also make an excellent companion to chilled cucumber slices or a crisp tomato and basil salad for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve these Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches Recipe delights on a tiered platter or slate board to showcase their charm. Add edible flowers for color or arrange them around a soufflé dish filled with a creamy dip for a stunning appetizer display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover mini quiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days without losing their flavor or texture, making for perfect next-day snacks or quick appetizers.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these in advance, freeze the unbaked filled shells on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re heated through.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftover mini quiches in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes until heated through and crisp on the edges. Avoid microwaves if possible, as reheating this way keeps the phyllo shell flaky and the filling creamy.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned crab meat works well if fresh crab isn’t available. Just be sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could make the quiches soggy.
What type of cheese is best for these mini quiches?
Sharp cheddar is ideal because its bold flavor complements the delicate seafood perfectly. However, you could experiment with a mild gouda or even a pepper jack for a subtle twist.
Can these mini quiches be made vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the crab and shrimp and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach along with the cheddar cheese for a delicious vegetarian version.
How long do these mini quiches keep once baked?
When refrigerated properly, they stay fresh for up to 3 days. For best taste and texture, consume within this period or freeze for longer storage.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely. You can mix the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge, just stir gently before spooning into the shells. This saves time and ensures the flavors have melded nicely.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about sharing the Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches Recipe with friends and family. It’s simple enough to prepare but sophisticated enough to impress. Every bite is a perfect harmony of creamy, cheesy, and fresh seafood notes that will keep everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you try making these little treasures, they’ll become a beloved staple in your appetizer rotation.
Print
Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini quiches
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches are delightful bite-sized appetizers perfect for parties or gatherings. Combining succulent crab meat and shrimp with sharp cheddar cheese and aromatic green onions, all baked in crispy mini phyllo shells, these quiches offer a rich and creamy texture with a subtle hint of spice from paprika. Ready in under 30 minutes, they make an elegant and easy-to-make treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 cup cooked crab meat
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
Spices & Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Pastry
- 1 package (about 24) mini phyllo or pastry shells
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the quiches.
- Mix Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half (or heavy cream), salt, black pepper, and paprika until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in the cooked crab meat, chopped shrimp, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped green onions into the egg mixture, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
- Prepare Pastry Shells: Arrange the mini phyllo or pastry shells on a baking sheet, ready for filling.
- Fill Shells: Spoon the seafood and cheese filling evenly into each pastry shell, filling almost to the top without overflowing.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the filling is set and the tops are lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the mini quiches from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving to ensure they hold their shape and are safe to eat.
Notes
- Use fresh seafood when possible for best flavor.
- Mini phyllo shells can be substituted with mini pastry tart shells if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; add extra paprika or a pinch of cayenne for a spicier kick.
- These quiches can be served warm or at room temperature.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute half-and-half with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
