As I pulled the notice from the freezer, a wave of familiarity wrapped around me like a cozy embrace. These Crabbies (easy recipe) have a way of turning a simple gathering into an unforgettable feast. With their golden, crispy English muffin bases and a luscious creamy crabmeat topping, they capture the essence of comfort food while still impressing guests with a gourmet touch. What’s even better? These delightful bites are make-ahead and freezer-friendly, ready to grace your table with minimal effort whenever you need them. Get ready to become the star of your next soirée—who wouldn’t want to serve these cheesy delights, brimming with sweet crab flavor? Ready to dive into some buttery goodness with a hint of nostalgia? Let’s make these Crabbies together!
Why Are Crabbies So Irresistible?
Comforting, Flavorful Bites: Crabbies deliver a delightful fusion of creamy, tangy crab and cheese on crispy muffins, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these tasty appetizers in advance and freeze them, making last-minute entertaining a breeze!
Versatile Cheese Options: From sharp cheddar to rich gouda, feel free to experiment with different cheese spreads to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether it’s a party or a cozy family dinner, these crabbies are destined to impress and leave your guests craving more.
Be a Hosting Hero: Serve these warm with a side of homemade cocktail sauce or fresh herbs, and watch them disappear!
Crabbies (Easy Recipe) Ingredients
For the Filling
- Butter – Adds richness and moisture; use softened for easy mixing.
- Cheese Spread (e.g., Kraft Old English Cheese) – Provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor; Kraft Cheez Whiz can be a perfect substitute.
- Mayonnaise – Contributes to a luscious, creamy consistency of the filling.
- Garlic Salt or Garlic Powder – Elevates the flavor profile; choose garlic salt for more saltiness.
- Salt – Balances the overall taste of the mixture.
- Lump Crabmeat – The star ingredient that imparts sweet seafood flavor; ensure it’s well-drained for the best results.
For the Base
- English Muffins – Create a delightful open-faced appetizer; split them for added crispiness.
- Shredded Cheese (optional) – Top your crabbies with extra cheesiness before baking for a delicious finish.
Feel free to explore and adapt with variations, as these Crabbies (easy recipe) offer a world of culinary creativity!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crabbies (Easy Recipe)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you’re planning to serve these delightful Crabbies immediately. This temperature will ensure that they bake to a golden perfection, leaving you with a crisp, warm appetizer that’s simply irresistibly cheesy and bubbly when finished.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, cheese spread, mayonnaise, garlic salt, and regular salt. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy fork to thoroughly blend these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. This step is crucial as it creates the rich filling that makes Crabbies so delectable.
Step 3: Add the Crabmeat
Next, gently fold in the well-drained lump crabmeat using a fork. Be careful not to break apart the crab meat too much—preserving those lovely chunks is key to achieving the best texture in your Crabbies. Mix until the crab is just combined with the creamy filling, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Step 4: Prepare the English Muffins
Now, take your English muffins and split them in half, creating an open-faced base for your toppings. For an extra crispy texture, you can optionally toast the muffin halves in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, just until they start to turn golden.
Step 5: Spread the Mixture
Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, evenly spread a generous amount of the crabmeat filling over each split English muffin half. Aim for a thick layer that will melt into a delightful, cheesy topping as they bake, fully coating the muffin for that perfect bite.
Step 6: Add Cheese Topping
If you’d like to enhance the cheesiness of your Crabbies, now is the time to sprinkle on some shredded cheese on top of the crab mixture. This optional step will create a deliciously gooey layer as your Crabbies bake, offering a delightful contrast to the crunchy muffin base.
Step 7: Bake the Crabbies
Carefully place the prepared Crabbies on a baking sheet and put them in the preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes or until they are bubbly and the edges of the muffins have turned a beautiful golden color. This step is crucial for achieving that warm, inviting texture deliciously characteristic of these easy appetizers.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the Crabbies from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes. This cool-down period helps set the filling slightly and makes handling easier. After this, slice them into triangles if you prefer bite-sized portions, and serve warm for the ultimate tasty experience!
Step 9: Make-Ahead Instructions
If you’re planning to make these Crabbies ahead of time, you can freeze the assembled, uncooked muffins. When you’re ready to serve, bake them straight from the freezer at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, ensuring a fresh, delicious treat at a moment’s notice!
Crabbies (Easy Recipe) Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to customize your crabbies to match your cravings and dietary needs for a unique twist on this classic appetizer!
-
Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for a zesty kick.
-
Seafood Swap: Substitute lump crabmeat with cooked shrimp or even lobster for a lavish upgrade. Your guests will be pleasantly surprised by this gourmet transformation!
-
Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheese spreads like pepper jack for a bold flavor or smoked gouda for a savory twist. Each choice offers a delightful depth that will tantalize your taste buds.
-
Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like dill or parsley to elevate the filling’s freshness. Just a handful can add a burst of flavor that brightens every bite!
-
Vegan Friendly: Replace crabmeat with mashed chickpeas or artichoke hearts, and use vegan cream cheese to create an equally delicious alternative without sacrificing flavor.
-
Nutty Flavor: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the mixture for additional crunch and richness. This not only enhances texture but also adds a delightful umami flavor.
-
Lemon Zest: For a refreshing twist, stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest into the filling. The citrusy brightness cuts through the richness and elevates the overall taste!
-
Garlic Lovers: Increase the garlic powder to your liking, or add roasted garlic for a sweeter, more aromatic flavor that perfectly complements the cheese and crab.
To expand your culinary imagination, consider pairing your crabbies with a homemade cocktail sauce or a fresh green salad for a divine dining experience. Embrace the beauty of customizing these delightful bites, and let your creativity shine!
Make Ahead Options
These Crabbies (easy recipe) are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the crab mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you want to prep even further ahead, assemble the entire crabbies on the English muffins and freeze them for up to 3 months—just ensure they’re tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve, bake the frozen crabbies directly from the freezer at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, ensuring they stay just as delicious and crispy as if you made them fresh! These make-ahead options mean you can enjoy incredible appetizers with minimal last-minute effort.
What to Serve with Cheesy Crabmeat Crabbies?
These delightful bites are perfect for elevating your next gathering, offering a flavorful complement to Crabbies that will leave everyone raving!
-
Crispy Garden Salad: A mix of fresh greens with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the crabbies, adding a refreshing crunch.
-
Creamy Coleslaw: The cool, creamy texture offsets the savory, cheesy crabbies, providing an appealing contrast that keeps every bite interesting.
-
Zesty Cocktail Sauce: A side of homemade cocktail sauce elevates the crab flavor, adding a bit of zing that balances the savory richness perfectly.
-
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus brings a bright, healthful element to your plate, enhancing the overall dining experience with vibrant colors.
-
Garlic Butter Breadsticks: These warm, buttery sticks echo the delightful flavors of crabbies while adding a comforting, chewy element for dipping.
-
Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the seafood flavors, enhancing the entire meal experience while keeping it refreshing.
-
Mini Fruit Tartlets: For dessert, these sweet, fruity bites offer a light finish that satisfies a sweet craving after the savory delights of crabbies.
-
Spicy Bloody Marys: Kick off your gathering with this classic brunch cocktail, adding a fun, zesty twist that complements the seafood beautifully.
How to Store and Freeze Crabbies
Fridge: Keep cooked crabbies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.
Freezer: Assemble uncooked crabbies and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in airtight freezer-safe bags. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Bake from frozen at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until bubbly and crisp. Enjoy your crabbies (easy recipe) straight from the oven!
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare crabbies in advance and store them in the freezer, so you’ll always have an effortless appetizer ready for unexpected guests.
Expert Tips for Crabbies
-
Softened Ingredients: Ensure both butter and cheese spread are soft to prevent clumps in your filling. This makes mixing easy and results in a smooth, creamy texture.
-
Gentle Mixing: When folding in the lump crabmeat, do so gently. This preserves the delicate texture and prevents overmixing, which could lead to a mushy filling.
-
Freeze Properly: To maintain freshness, wrap assembled crabbies tightly in plastic wrap and then store in airtight freezer-safe bags to prevent freezer burn.
-
Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheese spreads to find your favorite flavor profile. From sharp cheddar to creamy blue cheese, the possibilities are endless!
-
Oven Temperature Tip: Always preheat your oven. This ensures your crabbies bake evenly, resulting in a perfectly crispy exterior and a bubbling, cheesy topping.
-
Tripled for Parties: If you’re serving a crowd, consider tripling the recipe! Crabbies (easy recipe) are so popular, they’ll disappear before you know it!
Crabbies (Easy Recipe) Recipe FAQs
What type of crabmeat should I use?
I recommend using lump crabmeat for the best texture and flavor, ensuring it is well-drained and free from excess liquid. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also substitute it with smaller shrimp or even a blend of seafood!
How can I store leftover crabbies?
Keep any cooked crabbies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to revive that crispy texture. Trust me, they taste just as delightful!
Can I freeze crabbies before baking?
Absolutely! Assemble the uncooked crabbies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in airtight freezer-safe bags. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
Why did my crabbies turn out mushy?
A mushy texture can occur if the crabmeat is overmixed or if too much moisture was introduced from the ingredients. Always fold gently when incorporating the crabmeat and ensure all ingredients are well-drained. If you’re unsure, a little experimentation goes a long way!
Are these crabbies suitable for those with allergies?
While they are loaded with delicious seafood and dairy, those allergic to shellfish or dairy should steer clear. For alternate versions, you might try a crab alternative made from fish or a baked veggie topping, though it will change the overall taste!
How do I enhance the flavor of my crabbies?
You can mix in a dash of Worcestershire sauce for some tang or incorporate various cheese spreads, like sharp cheddar or creamy gouda, into the filling. This experimentation is key to finding your perfect flavor profile!
Irresistible Crabbies: Easy Recipe for Cheesy Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, cheese spread, mayonnaise, garlic salt, and regular salt. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in the well-drained lump crabmeat gently.
- Split the English muffins in half and toast them if desired.
- Spread a generous amount of the crabmeat filling over each muffin half.
- Optionally, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each filled muffin half.
- Place the prepared Crabbies on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Allow to cool for a couple of minutes before slicing into triangles and serving warm.
- If making ahead, freeze the uncooked muffins and bake directly from the freezer for 12-15 minutes.
