Crab Bread
Creamy crab and cheese spread atop toasted French bread creates a savory appetizer perfect for gatherings and seafood lovers seeking rich, flavorful bites with a crispy finish.
Ingredients
- 1 can crab meat ⓘ
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Ranch dressing ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1/2 cup real bacon bits ⓘ
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 2-3 dashes Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- Juice of half a lemon ⓘ
- 1 loaf sweet French bread ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine crab meat, grated mozzarella cheese, ranch dressing, chopped parsley, chopped green onions, bacon bits, parmesan cheese, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Spread the mixture onto the halved French bread slices.
- Place the bread halves onto a broiler pan and broil until the cheese is melted and the top is a light golden brown.
- Cut into slices and serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the mixture. If you prefer a bit of spice, mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Fresh crab can be used instead of canned for a more premium taste. You can substitute the mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crab bread as an appetizer or a hearty snack at your next gathering. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Creamy Stuffed Potatoes for a satisfying spread that your guests will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the crab bread on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. This will ensure the bread stays crispy while the filling warms up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Bread contains roughly 536 calories, with 28g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (125% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 995mg per serving (43% 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 a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sweet French bread is recommended for its soft texture, you can use sourdough, ciabatta, or even whole grain bread for a healthier option. Just be sure to adjust the broiling time as different breads may toast at varying rates.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to crab meat?
Yes, you can replace the crab meat with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and artichoke hearts for a delicious vegetarian version. The spices and other ingredients will still bring out great flavors, making it a tasty alternative for non-meat eaters.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the crab mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply spread the mixture on the bread and broil it just before serving for a fresh, warm appetizer that everyone will enjoy.
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).