Description
Crab Crunchies are a delicious, easy-to-make baked appetizer featuring a creamy mixture of cream cheese, mayonnaise, lump crab meat, and seasonings, topped with buttery crushed crackers for a delightful crunch. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, these bite-sized treats combine savory seafood flavor with a crispy, golden topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Crab Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or 3/4 teaspoon seasoning salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
Toppings and Base
- 24 buttery crackers or 24 baguette slices (toasted)
- 3/4 cup crushed buttery crackers (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Crab Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, sliced green onions, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Fold in Crab: Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful to keep the crab in large pieces. If using shredded cheese, fold it in at this stage as well.
- Assemble Crunchies: Arrange the buttery crackers or toasted baguette slices evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crab mixture onto each cracker or slice, evenly distributing the mixture.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter and chopped parsley if using. Sprinkle a generous pinch of this mixture over each topped cracker to add a crunchy golden crust.
- Bake: Bake the assembled crab crunchies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until they are hot, bubbly, and the tops are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the crab crunchies cool for about 2 minutes before serving warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Drain the crab meat well to keep the topping crisp, and fold it in gently to maintain chunky pieces.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the crab mixture.
- You can assemble the crab crunchies up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate them. Bake right before serving, adding 1 to 2 extra minutes to the baking time.
