Crab Cheese Muffins
Crab cheese muffins are savory bites combining flaky crab meat, sharp cheese, and seasonings, perfect for appetizers or brunch, offering rich flavors and delightful textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse crab with water and drain.
- Mix all ingredients together, except muffins, adding crab meat last.
- Cut muffins into quarters.
- Spread the crab cheese mixture on muffin pieces.
- Freeze muffins on a tray for 30 minutes.
- Broil until lightly browned or bubbly.
- Freeze any extra crab cheese muffins for later use.
- Store leftovers in a plastic bag.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using cream cheese in place of margarine. If you prefer a bit of heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the mixture. Make sure to mix the ingredients gently to avoid breaking up the crab meat too much. This recipe is versatile, and you can experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar or pepper jack, to create your own flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
These crab cheese muffins make a delightful appetizer or snack. Pair them with a fresh green salad or a light soup for a more substantial meal. They also complement well with classic American recipes like Company Crab Casserole or Baked Fresh Salmon. For a fun twist, serve them at your next gathering as a creative addition to your seafood recipes spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crab cheese muffins in a plastic bag or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them under the broiler for a few minutes until heated through and bubbly. You can also reheat them in a toaster oven for a crispy texture without drying them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Cheese Muffins contains roughly 106 calories, with 8g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (52% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 imitation crab instead of real crab for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use imitation crab if you prefer or if it's more readily available. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but it still works well with the cheese and seasonings in this recipe.
How can I make these muffins healthier?
To make these muffins healthier, consider using whole grain English muffins and reducing the amount of margarine. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to cut down on calories while adding protein. Incorporating more herbs and spices can enhance flavor without extra fat.
Can I prepare these muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crab cheese mixture and spread it on the muffins, then freeze them before broiling. This way, they are ready to bake whenever you need a quick snack or appetizer. Just remember to broil them straight from the freezer for best results.
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).