Description
These Easy Quick Crab Melts are a delicious and irresistible recipe combining lump crab meat with a creamy, tangy mixture, topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese on English muffins or crusty bread. Perfect as a main course or appetizer, these crab melts are baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a delightful seafood snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Crab Mixture
- 1 cup lump crab meat (drained and picked over for shells)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Assembly and Garnish
- 4 English muffin halves or slices of crusty bread
- Paprika for garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Mix Crab Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the lump crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, chopped green onions, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble Melts: Arrange the English muffin halves or bread slices on the prepared baking sheet. Evenly spoon the crab mixture onto each piece, spreading it out to cover the surface completely. If desired, lightly sprinkle paprika on top for added color and flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the tops are lightly golden brown.
- Broil for Extra Browning (Optional): For a crispier, more golden top, switch your oven to broil and broil the crab melts for an additional 1–2 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the crab melts from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the crab mixture to enhance creaminess.
- These crab melts also make excellent appetizers when made on baguette slices or mini toast rounds.
- Make sure to check the crab meat carefully to remove any shells before mixing to avoid unpleasant surprises.
- If you prefer spicier flavors, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the crab mixture.
