Crabbies Appetizer
Crabbies Appetizer offers a creamy, savory blend of crabmeat and cheese with a hint of garlic salt, spread on toasted English muffin halves. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, its delightful flavors and easy preparation make it a crowd-pleasing starter for seafood lovers and appetizer enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix margarine, mayo, cheese, and garlic salt until well combined.
- Using a fork, mash in the drained crabmeat until evenly incorporated.
- Spread the mixture on 12 English muffin halves.
- Cut each muffin into quarters or smaller pieces for serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using cream cheese instead of margarine. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the mixture. You can also swap out crabmeat for shrimp or lobster for a delicious twist. This recipe is a fantastic way to use leftover seafood from dishes like Scrumptious Shrimp Dip.
Serving Suggestions
These Crabbies make a perfect appetizer for parties or game day. Serve them alongside a fresh green salad or a platter of fresh vegetables and dip. They can also be paired with a light white wine or a crisp beer. For more delicious appetizer ideas, browse more American recipes and explore options like Neptune's Cheese Canapes for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Crabbies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the muffin halves on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for about 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the muffins soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crabbies Appetizer contains roughly 385 calories, with 4g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 504mg per serving (22% 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 Crabbies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crab mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just spread it on the English muffin halves before baking and adjust the baking time slightly if they are cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for crabmeat?
If you don't have crabmeat on hand, you can use canned tuna or cooked shrimp as a substitute. Both options will still give you a delicious appetizer that everyone will enjoy. Just ensure that the seafood is well-drained and flaked before mixing.
How do I know when the Crabbies are done baking?
The Crabbies are ready when the topping is bubbly and lightly browned, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes in a preheated oven at 375°F. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as oven temperatures can vary.
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).