Why You’ll Love This Maryland Crab Melt
- Crowd-Pleasing: Elegant yet approachable, making it a hit at any table.
- Quick and Simple: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- A Taste of Maryland: Brings coastal flavors right to your kitchen.
- Customizable: Choose your favorite bread and cheese for a personal twist.
Tools You’ll Need
- Spatula: To spread and assemble the melts.
- Mixing bowl: For preparing the crab mixture.
- Skillet or griddle: To toast the bread.
- Baking sheet: For broiling the crab melt.
Quick and Easy Maryland Crab Melt
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
If you’re craving something rich, cheesy, and bursting with seafood flavor, this Quick and Easy Maryland Crab Melt is just what you need. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer, this recipe combines the briny sweetness of crab meat with gooey melted cheese on a crisp, buttery slice of bread. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser you can whip up any time!
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Ingredients
- 1 lb lump crab meat: Fresh or canned, drained and picked over for shells.
- 4 slices of bread: Choose a sturdy option like sourdough, rye, or English muffins.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: For creamy richness.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang.
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: A classic Maryland spice mix.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: For a fresh, zesty kick.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery: Adds a touch of crunch.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion: For flavor and color.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
- Butter: For toasting the bread.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, celery, and green onion.
- Gently fold the ingredients together to avoid breaking up the crab meat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Toast the Bread
- Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread.
- In a skillet or griddle over medium heat, toast the bread (buttered side down) until golden brown.
Step 3: Assemble the Crab Melt
- Place the toasted bread slices on a baking sheet, toasted side down.
- Evenly spread the crab mixture over the untoasted side of each slice.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Broil the Crab Melt
- Preheat your oven’s broiler to high.
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the melts from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Serve warm with a side of crisp salad, coleslaw, or potato chips.
Notes
- Use Fresh Crab: Fresh lump crab meat delivers the best flavor, but high-quality canned crab works in a pinch.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar is classic, Swiss, provolone, or a sharp gouda also pair beautifully with crab.
- Toast the Bread: Toasting one side keeps the bread crispy even after adding the crab mixture.
- Customize the Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover crab mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat assembled melts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use imitation crab meat?
A: Yes, though real crab delivers the authentic Maryland flavor, imitation crab is a budget-friendly alternative.
Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread and double-check that your Old Bay seasoning is gluten-free.
Q3: Can I prepare the crab mixture in advance?
A: Yes! You can make the crab mixture up to 1 day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge and assemble the melts when ready to serve.
Conclusion: A Coastal Classic!
This Quick and Easy Maryland Crab Melt is a delicious way to bring a little taste of the coast to your home. With its creamy, cheesy topping and crispy bread base, it’s a satisfying dish you’ll want to make again and again.
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Enjoy every bite of this Maryland favorite and savor the seaside flavors with your loved ones!
