Cheddar Crab Meats
Cheddar Crab Meats is a delicious appetizer featuring flaky crab meat and melted Cheez Whiz atop toasted English muffins. Rich, cheesy, and savory with a hint of seafood flavor, it’s perfect for entertaining or a special treat for seafood lovers, offering a comforting yet upscale taste experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until slightly browned.
- Add Cheez Whiz and stir until melted.
- Crumble crab meat into the mixture and stir to combine.
- Remove from heat.
- Split and toast English muffins.
- Spread the crab mixture evenly on the toasted muffins.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes if fresh, or 20 minutes if frozen.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning to the crab mixture. If you don’t have English muffins, you can substitute with bagels or pita bread. For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese spread and margarine. To save time, prepare the crab mixture ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This dish is reminiscent of a Crab Dip Appetizer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Cheddar Crab Meats as a delightful appetizer at your next gathering or alongside a fresh salad for a light lunch. Pair with a chilled white wine or a light beer for a refreshing complement. They also work well as a starter to a seafood-themed dinner, showcasing the flavors of American recipes and seafood recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crab-topped muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the muffins soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheddar Crab Meats contains roughly 609 calories, with 6g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 747mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these crab muffins ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crab mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just toast the muffins and assemble right before baking. This makes for an easy and quick appetizer when hosting guests or for a busy weeknight dinner.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).