I’ve discovered a perfect appetizer that combines elegance with simplicity—English Muffin “Crabbies.” These savory bites feature lump crabmeat and creamy Old English cheese spread on toasted English muffins, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or casual get-together, these versatile treats will impress your guests without demanding hours in the kitchen. The best part? You can customize them to suit your taste preferences and what you have on hand.
Key Takeaways
- “Crabbies” are savory appetizers made with English muffins, lump crabmeat, and cheese spread.
- They’re easy to prepare by mixing crab with Old English cheese spread and broiling until bubbly.
- Perfectly portioned for parties, these crab melts can be cut into wedges after broiling.
- Substitutions include imitation crab, canned crab, or small shrimp instead of lump crabmeat.
- Customize with additional seasonings like Old Bay, Worcestershire sauce, or chopped green onions.
Why You’ll Love these Savory Crab Melts
Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated cocktail party or just craving a delicious appetizer on a quiet evening, these English Muffin “Crabbies” will quickly become your go-to recipe.
I’ve found that the combination of rich, lump crabmeat and creamy Old English cheese spread creates an irresistible flavor profile that appeals to seafood lovers and picky eaters alike.
What makes these appetizers truly special is their versatility and simplicity.
You’ll appreciate how quickly they come together—just mix, spread, broil, and slice.
The contrast between the crisp, toasted English muffin and the warm, gooey crab topping delivers a satisfying textural experience with every bite.
Plus, they’re portable and perfectly portioned, making them ideal for passing around at gatherings without creating mess or fuss.
What Ingredients are in Savory Crab Melts?
When it comes to crowd-pleasing appetizers, these savory crab melts hit all the right notes. They’re the perfect blend of creamy cheese, delicate crab meat, and toasty English muffins. The beauty of these “Crabbies” is how they manage to feel fancy without requiring a ton of ingredients or complicated techniques. Just a handful of simple components transforms into something truly crave-worthy.
Ingredients:
- 6 fork-split English muffins
- 1 pound lump crabmeat, picked well for shells
- 3-4 jars Kraft Old English cheese spread, softened
- Garlic salt (or garlic powder)
The quality of your crabmeat can make or break this recipe, so it’s worth splurging a bit if you can. Always check thoroughly for shells—nobody wants that unpleasant surprise when biting into these delicious morsels. And while the recipe specifically calls for Kraft Old English cheese spread, in a pinch you could substitute with another processed cheese spread that melts well. The garlic seasoning adds just the right savory note without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the crab. Simple ingredients, simply delicious.
How to Make these Savory Crab Melts
Making these delicious English Muffin Crabbies couldn’t be easier, and they’re perfect for a quick appetizer or light lunch. Start by gathering your ingredients: 6 fork-split English muffins, 1 pound of lump crabmeat (make sure to pick through it carefully for shells), 3-4 jars of Kraft Old English cheese spread (softened for easier mixing), and garlic salt or garlic powder to taste.
The combination of sweet crab and tangy cheese is absolutely divine, especially when it gets all melty and bubbly under the broiler.
If you enjoy smoky flavors, you could prepare these using an electric smoker grill for an extra dimension of taste.
Once you’ve got everything ready, simply mix the crabmeat, softened cheese spread, and your preferred amount of garlic seasoning in a bowl until well combined.
Split those English muffins with a fork (this creates those wonderful nooks and crannies that hold onto the crab mixture) and spread the mixture generously on each half.
Pop them under the broiler, cheese side up of course, and watch them carefully until they’re just lightly browned on top. The cheese will get bubbly while the edges of the muffins turn golden and crispy.
When they’re done, let them cool just slightly before cutting each muffin half into 4 little “pizza slice” wedges.
Serve them right away while they’re still hot and gooey—trust me, they won’t last long on the plate!
Savory Crab Melts Substitutions and Variations
These classic Crabbies can be customized in countless ways to suit your taste preferences or accommodate what’s in your pantry. If you can’t find lump crabmeat, try using imitation crab, canned crab, or even small shrimp as alternatives. Don’t have Old English cheese spread? I’ve had great results with shredded cheddar mixed with a bit of cream cheese or even Gruyère for a more sophisticated flavor profile.
For those who enjoy extra seasonings, I recommend adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning to enhance the flavor. You can also experiment with different breads—sourdough rounds or bagel halves work wonderfully as substitutes for English muffins, creating entirely new texture experiences while maintaining that delicious melty goodness.
What to Serve with Savory Crab Melts
Wondering what pairs perfectly with these delectable crab melts? I’ve found that light, fresh accompaniments create the ideal balance with the rich, savory flavors of the Crabbies.
Consider serving a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess of the cheese. A simple cucumber and dill salad works beautifully as well.
For a more substantial meal, I recommend a clear soup like consommé or a light tomato bisque. The acidity helps complement the crab’s sweetness.
If you’re hosting a gathering, arrange these Crabbies on a platter with lemon wedges, cornichons, and a small bowl of remoulade sauce for dipping.
For beverages, a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with a splash of grapefruit juice provides invigorating contrast.
Final Thoughts
After exploring the perfect pairings for your Crabbies, I’ll share my reflections on why this appetizer has remained a cherished classic in my recipe collection.
What makes these English muffin treats so enduring is their perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. With just four ingredients—English muffins, lump crabmeat, Old English cheese spread, and garlic seasoning—you can create something truly memorable.
I’ve served these at countless gatherings over the years, and they never fail to disappear quickly. The contrast between the crisp, toasted muffin and the rich, savory crab topping creates an irresistible bite that appeals to nearly everyone.
Whether you’re hosting an elegant cocktail party or a casual game night, these Crabbies adapt beautifully to any occasion, proving that sometimes the most straightforward recipes deliver the most impressive results. Like the classic cranberry sauce that uses natural pectin from berries to achieve the perfect consistency, these Crabbies rely on natural ingredients to create their appealing texture and flavor.
