Crab Cheese Canapes
Creamy crab and shrimp canapes with cheesy, garlicky flavor, topped with paprika, perfect for elegant parties or appetizer spreads, offering a rich, savory bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix butter, Old English cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, seasoned salt, crabmeat, and shrimp together until well combined.
- Spread the mixture on split English muffins and cut into fourths.
- Place the cut canapés on a cookie sheet and freeze until solid.
- Once frozen, stack the canapés and cook while still frozen.
- Broil for about 5 minutes or until browned on top.
- Optional: sprinkle paprika on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or some finely chopped jalapeños to the cheese mixture. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute low-fat cream cheese for the Old English cheese. You can also use canned tuna or lobster if crabmeat isn't available. Make sure to thaw any frozen canapés completely before broiling for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These crab cheese canapés make a fantastic appetizer for gatherings or parties. Serve them alongside a fresh green salad or pair them with a light seafood dish like Lemon Flounder Bake for a complete meal. Consider offering a selection of dips, such as a tartar sauce or cocktail sauce, to enhance the flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover canapés in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and broil for about 5 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can freeze uncooked canapés and cook from frozen, adjusting the time as needed for even cooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Cheese Canapes contains roughly 818 calories, with 8g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value) and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1580mg per serving (69% 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 prepare these canapés in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the canapés a day ahead. Simply spread the mixture on the muffins, cut them into pieces, and freeze them. When you're ready to serve, broil them directly from the freezer for a quick and delicious appetizer.
What can I use instead of crabmeat?
If crabmeat isn't available, you can substitute it with canned tuna or even cooked shrimp. Both options will still yield delicious canapés while providing a different flavor profile. Make sure to drain and flake any substitutes before mixing.
How do I make these canapés spicier?
To add some heat, mix in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese mixture. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before broiling for an extra kick. Experiment to find your preferred spiciness!
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).