Description
Crab Crunchies are a delightful American appetizer featuring a tender blend of lump crab meat, buttery crackers, and flavorful seasonings, baked to golden perfection. These easy-to-make seafood snacks are perfect for parties or a tasty starter and can also be pan-fried for an alternate crispy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lump crab meat, drained and picked over for shells
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Crab Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the lump crab meat and crushed buttery crackers, taking care not to break up the crab pieces too much to maintain texture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the crab and cracker mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful to avoid overmixing to keep the crab lumps intact.
- Shape Crunchies: Scoop the mixture into small mounds or form into patties and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with Butter: Lightly brush the tops of each mound with melted butter to enhance browning and flavor.
- Bake: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the crunchies are heated through.
- Serve: Serve warm with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce to complement the seafood flavors.
Notes
- For extra crunchiness, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray and broil for 1 to 2 minutes after baking.
- You can substitute baking by pan-frying the crab crunchies in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
