Easy Crabbies Recipe

Tasty Crabbies Recipe: A Crispy, Quick Appetizer for Everyone

Seafood enthusiasts adore these delectable easy crabbies that burst with flavor and charm.

Creamy cheese blends seamlessly with tender crab meat in this irresistible appetizer.

Guests always ask for seconds when these delightful bites hit the table.

Quick to prepare and loaded with savory goodness, these crabbies make entertaining a breeze.

The combination of rich ingredients creates a mouthwatering experience that delights every palate.

Serve these crowd-pleasing morsels at your next gathering and watch them disappear in moments.

Prepare to elevate your appetizer game with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Easy Crabbies Ingredient Checklist

Main Ingredients:
  • Butter: A rich, creamy base that adds flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth, tangy texture to the mixture.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and helps create a creamy consistency.
  • Crab Meat: The star protein that gives these appetizers their signature seafood taste.
Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: These classic seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Base Ingredients:
  • English Muffins: The perfect crispy platform for serving these delicious appetizers.

How to Make Easy Crabbies Quickly

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Base

Grab your mixing bowl and combine softened butter, sharp cheddar cheese, tangy mayonnaise, and a blend of zesty seasonings.

Blend everything together until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth consistency that looks irresistibly creamy.

Step 2: Gently Fold in Succulent Seafood

Drain the crab meat carefully and tenderly fold it into the prepared base.

Use gentle strokes to ensure the delicate crab pieces are evenly distributed without breaking them apart, preserving their delightful texture.

Step 3: Assemble the Tasty Appetizers

Spread the crab mixture generously across English muffins or your preferred bread base.

Slice the prepared muffins into bite-sized triangles that will make perfect party nibbles or elegant finger food.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your prepared crabbies into a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bake until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the tops become slightly crispy, which typically takes around 10 minutes.

Step 5: Storing and Reheating Options

For make-ahead convenience, place the crabbies on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.

Once frozen, transfer to a storage bag.

When ready to enjoy, reheat directly from frozen for 12-15 minutes, ensuring they’re warmed through and regain their delectable crispness.

Pro Tips for Better Easy Crabbies

  • Pat crab meat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispy and flavorful appetizers.
  • Select high-quality, lump crab meat for the best taste and texture in your crabbies.
  • Taste the mixture before spreading to balance flavors, adding a pinch of salt or pepper if needed.
  • Prepare the mixture up to a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator for convenient entertaining.
  • Let crabbies rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to set and achieve the perfect golden-brown finish.

Flavorful Variations for Easy Crabbies

  • Seafood Swap: Replace crab meat with chopped shrimp or imitation crab for a different oceanic flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Version: Substitute crab with finely chopped artichoke hearts or hearts of palm for a plant-based alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free English muffins or crisp rice crackers instead of regular muffins to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Fat Adaptation: Utilize reduced-fat cheese and mayonnaise, and choose lean protein like white fish or tofu to create a lighter appetizer.

Serving Up Easy Crabbies at Home

  • Cocktail Party Delight: Slice these zesty crabbies into bite-sized pieces perfect for elegant appetizer trays at gatherings with friends and family.
  • Brunch Companion: Serve alongside scrambled eggs or a light mixed green salad for a delightful morning or midday meal that adds sophisticated flavor.
  • Game Day Snack: Cut into smaller squares and arrange on a platter with fresh herbs as a crowd-pleasing finger food during sports watching parties or casual get-togethers.
  • Picnic Portable: Pack cooled crabbies in a sealed container for outdoor lunches, beach trips, or park outings where easy-to-eat finger foods are welcome.

Storage Solutions for Easy Crabbies

  • Store Easy Crabbies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
  • Place prepared crabbies on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They'll stay delicious for up to 2 months when sealed tightly.
  • Remove frozen crabbies from the freezer and let them sit in the refrigerator overnight for best results. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed crabbies in a preheated oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes. This helps restore their crispy texture and heated-through warmth.

FAQs

  • What type of crab meat works best for this recipe?

Lump or canned crab meat both work well. Fresh crab meat is ideal, but canned is a convenient and budget-friendly alternative.

  • Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crabbies and freeze them before baking. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months, making them perfect for advance party prep.

  • How do I prevent the crabbies from becoming soggy?

Drain the crab meat thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps maintain a crisp texture when baked.

  • Are these crabbies good for a party appetizer?

Absolutely! They’re bite-sized, easy to eat, and can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for gatherings, game days, or holiday parties.

Easy Crabbies Unique Flavor Perks

  • Whip Up Quickly: Minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing make this recipe a breeze for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Perfect for parties, game nights, or casual gatherings where you want to impress guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
  • Versatile Make-Ahead Treat: Prepare in advance and freeze, giving you a convenient option for unexpected company or last-minute entertaining without stress.
  • Delightful Flavor Combination: Creamy cheese, rich butter, and delicate crab meat create a mouthwatering bite that balances texture and taste beautifully.
Print
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Easy Crabbies Recipe

Easy Crabbies Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Savory easy crabbies bring maritime charm to any gathering, melding creamy cheese with delicate crab meat. Quick party appetizers promise delightful bites that guests will eagerly devour and request again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) lump crab meat

Dairy and Spreads:

  • 1 stick (113 grams/4 ounces) butter, softened
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) cheese spread

Seasonings and Binders:

  • 1.5 teaspoons (7.5 milliliters) mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt

Base:

  • 6 English muffins

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly cream butter, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and herb blend until achieving a uniform, silky consistency.
  2. Gently incorporate drained crab meat into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution without breaking delicate meat chunks.
  3. Generously spread the seafood mixture across english muffin halves, creating a thick, even layer that covers entire surface.
  4. Slice prepared muffins into symmetrical triangular segments for elegant presentation and easy serving.
  5. Position prepared appetizers on ungreased baking sheet, maintaining slight spacing between pieces.
  6. Slide into preheated oven at 350°F, allowing appetizers to transform into golden, crispy delicacies within 10-12 minutes.
  7. For advanced meal preparation, arrange completed crabbies on flat surface and freeze until completely solid.
  8. Transfer frozen appetizers into sealed storage bags, preserving freshness for future enjoyment.
  9. When ready to serve frozen version, reheat directly from frozen state for 12-15 minutes until heated through and edges become crisp.

Notes

  • Pick fresh, high-quality crab meat for the best flavor and texture in your crabbies.
  • Drain crab meat thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the base soggy.
  • Use room temperature butter and cheese for smoother, easier mixing and better blending.
  • Try different bread bases like sourdough or whole wheat for unique variations.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 162
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 375 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 41 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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