Old English Crab Melt Muffins Recipe
Introduction
This Old English Crab Melt Muffins recipe combines tender crab meat with creamy cheese and a touch of tangy mustard, all melted perfectly on toasted English muffins. It’s a quick and delicious dish ideal for a cozy lunch or impressive appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb cooked crab meat (fresh or canned)
- 4 English muffins, split in half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, melted butter, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Step 3: Arrange the English muffin halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Step 4: Spread the crab mixture evenly onto each muffin half.
- Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the crab-topped muffins.
- Step 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven, serve hot, and enjoy your crab melts!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a dash of Old Bay seasoning to the crab mixture.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy twist.
- Try substituting mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Fresh lump crab meat works best for texture, but canned is a convenient and tasty alternative.
Storage
Store leftover crab melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen crab meat for this recipe?
Yes, frozen crab meat can be used; just make sure it is fully thawed and drained before mixing to avoid excess moisture.
Can I prepare these crab melts ahead of time?
You can assemble the muffins and crab mixture in advance and refrigerate up to a day before baking. Bake just before serving to keep them fresh and warm.
PrintOld English Crab Melt Muffins Recipe
Old English Crab Melt Muffins are a delicious and savory snack or appetizer featuring tender crab meat mixed with creamy mayonnaise, tangy Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, and lemon juice, all layered on toasted English muffin halves and topped with melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make baked delight offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 8 crab melt muffins (4 English muffins split in half) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: English
Ingredients
Crab Mixture
- 1/2 lb cooked crab meat (fresh or canned)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Assembly
- 4 English muffins, split in half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat fully to ensure even baking.
- Prepare the crab mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, melted butter, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to blend all flavors without breaking up the crab meat excessively.
- Arrange the muffins: Place the English muffin halves cut-side up on a baking sheet, ensuring they’re evenly spaced for consistent heat distribution.
- Assemble the melts: Spread an even layer of the crab mixture onto each muffin half, covering the surface generously.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the crab mixture on each muffin half to create a bubbly, golden crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and turned a light golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the crab melt muffins hot for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Use fresh crab meat if possible for a superior flavor, but canned crab meat is a convenient alternative.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the crab mixture.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Butter can be lightly brushed on the English muffin halves before adding the crab mixture for an extra crispy base.
- These muffins can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving to save time.
Keywords: crab melt, English muffins, appetizer, seafood snack, baked crab cheese muffins, easy crab recipe
