Crab Meltaways
Crab Meltaways are delicious appetizer bites featuring tender crabmeat and savory cheese spread on toasted English muffins. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a rich, cheesy flavor with a hint of garlic and Worcestershire. Perfect for entertaining or a flavorful snack, they are sure to impress guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° to 400° F.
- Mix together the crabmeat, Old English cheese spread, mayonnaise, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the split English muffin halves.
- Place the muffins on a wire cookie rack set inside a lipped pan to catch excess margarine.
- Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes.
- Optionally, freeze the assembled muffins up to 3 months before baking, then bake directly from frozen.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the mixture. If you prefer a bit of heat, a dash of hot sauce can enhance the flavor. You can substitute the Old English cheese spread with any sharp cheese spread if unavailable. For a lighter version, Greek yogurt can replace the mayonnaise. These meltaways are great for parties, similar to a Hot Crab Spread.
Serving Suggestions
These Crab Meltaways are perfect as an appetizer or a light lunch. Serve them alongside a fresh green salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting meal. They also pair beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light beer. For a more substantial dish, consider serving with Tuna-Macaroni Salad as an enticing side.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Crab Meltaways can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy. For longer storage, freeze the assembled muffins before baking, and they can last up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Meltaways contains roughly 1220 calories, with 5g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 110g fat. It is a good source of iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1189mg per serving (52% 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 fresh crabmeat instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh crabmeat for a more vibrant flavor, but make sure to properly cook and shred it before mixing it into the spread. Fresh crabmeat will elevate the dish and give it a more authentic taste, making it a delightful option for special occasions.
What can I use instead of English muffins?
If English muffins are not available, you can substitute them with bagels or sliced bread. Just ensure that the bread you choose can hold the mixture well and toast nicely. Whole grain or sourdough bread can add a unique flavor twist to the meltaways.
Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crab mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container. When you're ready to bake, spread the mixture on the English muffins and follow the baking instructions for fresh, warm meltaways.
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).