Crabmeat Bites
Crabmeat Bites are delicious, savory appetizers featuring crab, melted cheese, and garlic, perfect for parties or casual gatherings. The crispy, browned tops and creamy interior offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will impress seafood lovers and appetizer enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
- Spread the mixture evenly on split English muffins.
- Freeze the assembled muffins until firm.
- Broil the frozen muffins for 5 to 8 minutes until browned.
- Cut each muffin into quarters before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the cheese spread. If you can't find Old English cheese, a combination of cheddar and a bit of cream will work well. To save time, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to use. This dish is a great party appetizer; try serving it alongside Crawfish Dip for a delightful seafood platter.
Serving Suggestions
These Crabmeat Bites make an excellent appetizer for gatherings. Serve them with a side of cocktail sauce or a zesty lemon aioli for dipping. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad or can be enjoyed alongside a selection of other seafood recipes, such as Hot Cheesy Seafood Dip, for a festive spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Crabmeat Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them under the broiler for a few minutes until heated through, ensuring they regain their crispiness. Alternatively, they can be frozen before broiling and baked directly from the freezer for a quick snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crabmeat Bites contains roughly 335 calories, with 10g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 911mg per serving (40% 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?
Absolutely! Fresh crabmeat will enhance the flavor of the bites. Just be sure to pick through it for any shells and drain it well before mixing with the other ingredients. Fresh crabmeat can add a delightful sweetness and texture to the dish.
Can I prepare these bites in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the crabmeat mixture and spread it on the muffins ahead of time. After assembling, freeze the muffins until firm. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. Just broil them directly from the freezer when you're ready to serve for fresh, hot bites.
What can I substitute for English muffins?
If you don't have English muffins, you can use bagels, pita bread, or even slices of French bread as a base. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different breads may require varying times to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish under the broiler.
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).