Crab Melt Aways
Crab Melt Aways are savory, bite-sized appetizers featuring tender crabmeat blended with sharp cheese, seasoned with garlic and seasoned salt. Perfect for entertaining or quick snacks, they offer rich flavors with a crispy broiled topping, making them a crowd-pleasing treat for seafood lovers and cheese aficionados alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the crabmeat, softened butter, Old English sharp cheese, mayo, seasoned salt, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Spread the mixture on each muffin half.
- Cut each muffin half into quarters.
- Freeze the quarters until ready to serve.
- When ready, place the frozen quarters under a broiler until browned and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh crabmeat if available, though canned works well for convenience. You can substitute the Old English cheese with a sharp cheddar or a cream cheese blend for a different texture. Be cautious not to overmix the ingredients to maintain the lumps of crab for a delightful bite. This dish is reminiscent of the flavors in Lite Crab Dip, making it a great companion.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Crab Melt Aways as a delightful appetizer at your next gathering. They pair beautifully with a light salad or fresh vegetable platter for a balanced meal. Consider complementing them with a chilled white wine or sparkling beverage. For a seafood-themed feast, they make a perfect starter alongside Misericordia Crabcakes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Crab Melt Aways in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them under the broiler for a few minutes until warmed through and bubbly, ensuring they maintain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Melt Aways contains roughly 159 calories, with 7g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value) and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 762mg per serving (33% 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 Crab Melt Aways ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and spread it onto the muffin halves, then freeze them until you’re ready to serve. This makes them perfect for entertaining, allowing you to broil them fresh right before your guests arrive.
What can I substitute for English muffins?
If you don’t have English muffins, you can use bagels or any crusty bread, such as French or Italian bread. Just slice them into appropriate portions to hold the crab mixture. Adjust the broiling time as needed since the bread types vary in thickness.
How do I know when the Crab Melt Aways are done broiling?
Watch closely as they broil; they are done when they are golden brown and bubbly on top, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Keep the oven door slightly ajar to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
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).