Cheesy Crab Bites
Cheesy Crab Bites are savory appetizers featuring crabmeat, cheddar cheese, and herbs, baked until golden. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a delicious snack.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. fresh or imitation crabmeat ⓘ
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons grated onion ⓘ
- 20 slices Pepperidge Farm sandwich bread ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients, except bread.
- Stir well and set aside.
- Trim crust from bread; cut each slice into squares.
- Spread each bread square with crabmeat mixture.
- Place on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the crabmeat mixture. If you don’t have Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack or a blend of your favorite cheeses can be used instead. You can also use stale bread for added texture; just be sure to soften it slightly before cutting. These Cheesy Crab Bites can be made ahead and stored in the fridge before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Cheesy Crab Bites make an excellent appetizer for gatherings or a light lunch option. They pair beautifully with a crisp salad or a side of fresh vegetables. For an elegant touch, serve alongside a dipping sauce such as a zesty cocktail sauce. Browse more American recipes for additional seafood inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the crab bites on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Crab Bites contains roughly 237 calories, with 5g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 493mg per serving (21% 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 use frozen crabmeat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen crabmeat, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before mixing with the other ingredients. This ensures the mixture isn't too watery and maintains the right texture.
How can I make these crab bites spicier?
To add heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the crabmeat mixture. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce or incorporate diced jalapeños for more flavor.
Can I make these crab bites in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crab mixture and spread it on the bread squares ahead of time. Just cover them and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This makes them perfect for parties or gatherings.
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).