Freeze Ahead Crabbies
Crabbies are savory, cheesy appetizers featuring crabmeat and seasoned cheese spread on muffins, perfect for freezing and broiling into hot, flavorful bites for parties or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter and cheese spread together in a saucepan.
- Add crabmeat, mayonnaise, seasoned salt, and garlic salt to the melted mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly on English muffins.
- Cut each muffin into quarter pieces.
- Place the muffin pieces on a cookie sheet and freeze until solid.
- Broil the frozen muffin pieces until they are browned and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using flavored cream cheese instead of Old English cheese spread. You can also substitute imitation crab for a more budget-friendly option. Ensure the butter is melted gently to avoid separation, and consider adding a pinch of cayenne for extra kick. This recipe is similar to Fabulous Crab Ball, so feel free to experiment with additional seasonings.
Serving Suggestions
These crabbies make a fantastic appetizer for gatherings or game day. Serve them with a side of Seafood Salsa for a refreshing contrast. Pairing with a crisp salad or vegetable platter can balance the richness. They also complement cocktails or light white wines beautifully, making them perfect for entertaining.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover crabbies in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, broil from frozen until golden brown and heated through, about 4-6 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy. For best results, enjoy them fresh after broiling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Freeze Ahead Crabbies contains roughly 406 calories, with 3g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1006mg per serving (44% 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 these crabbies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and freeze the muffin pieces ahead of time. Just follow the freezing instructions and broil them when you're ready to serve. This makes them perfect for parties or quick snacks, and they can be stored for up to 2 months.
What can I use instead of crabmeat?
If you're looking for alternatives to crabmeat, consider using cooked shrimp or even canned tuna. Both options will give you a delicious flavor, and for a vegetarian version, you can try adding chopped mushrooms or artichokes to create a unique spread.
How do I know when the crabbies are done broiling?
Watch for the tops to become golden brown and the edges crispy. The crabbies are typically done in about 4-6 minutes under the broiler, but keep a close eye to prevent burning. They should be heated through and bubbling slightly when ready.
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).