Description
Crab melts deliver pure coastal charm with zesty cheddar and fresh crab meat tucked into golden toasted bread. Creamy, rich layers meld perfectly, offering seafood lovers a simple yet luxurious lunch that promises oceanic delight in every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood:
- ½ cup white crab meat
Main Ingredients:
- 4 slices Monterey Jack cheese
- 4–5 inch slice of baguette (or 2–3 pieces long French bread or ciabatta)
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red pepper
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons crème fraîche or sour cream
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) or prepare the broiler, positioning the rack approximately 6 inches from the heat source.
- Arrange ciabatta or panini bread halves on a sturdy baking sheet, lightly toasting for 3-4 minutes until edges turn golden and surfaces become crisp.
- In a medium mixing bowl, gently fold fresh crab meat with finely diced red bell pepper and thinly sliced celery, ensuring delicate meat remains intact.
- Incorporate of crème fraîche or sour cream into the seafood mixture, seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to create a harmonious blend.
- Distribute the maritime filling evenly across each bread half, maintaining a consistent layer that covers the surface completely.
- Layer sharp cheddar or Swiss cheese slices atop the crab mixture, allowing slight overlap for comprehensive coverage.
- Return the prepared bread to the oven or broiler, cooking for 6-8 minutes until cheese melts luxuriously and transforms into a bubbling, amber-hued topping.
- Remove from heat and allow the crab melts to rest for 2-3 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and preventing potential burns.
- Slice into smaller triangular portions for elegant appetizers or serve whole as a satisfying lunch entree, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Prep this appetizer in under 20 minutes for a quick and delicious bite that impresses guests.
- Select fresh, high-quality crab meat for the most authentic and rich seafood flavor.
- Toast bread first to create a crispy base that prevents soggy bottoms and adds extra crunch.
- Customize the mix by adding chives, green onions, or a dash of hot sauce for personalized zest.
- Broiling creates a gorgeous golden-brown cheese top that looks professional and appetizing.
- Perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or as a sophisticated starter that’s surprisingly simple to make.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking/Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg