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Easy Crabbies

Featured in Irresistible Tasty Bites.

Mix cheese, butter and crab. Spread on muffins and bake until hot. Can be frozen for later.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:15:00 GMT
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A plate of golden-brown, pan-fried patties topped with green onions. | recipesbyclare.com

You won't believe how these Crabbies have become my go to party appetizer. They're these amazing little bites of creamy crab and cheese on crispy English muffins that disappear faster than I can make them. The best part? They're so simple yet feel totally fancy.

Why These Are Special

There's something magical about how the sweet crab mixes with that tangy cheese spread. Every bite gives you creamy richness and crispy texture. I've been making these for years and folks still beg for the recipe.

What You'll Need

  • Crabmeat: Fresh is amazing but good quality canned works too.
  • English Muffins: They toast up perfectly crispy.
  • Butter: Make sure it's nice and soft.
  • Kraft Old English Cheese: This is my secret weapon.
  • Mayo: Just enough to make it creamy.
  • Garlic Salt: Adds that perfect savory kick.
  • Extra Cheese: Sometimes I add more on top.
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A close-up of golden, fried dough donuts garnished with pieces of green onion, arranged on a white plate. | recipesbyclare.com

Let's Make Them

Mix It Up
Blend your soft butter cheese spread mayo and seasonings until smooth. Fold in that crab super gentle.
Spread the Love
Split those muffins and spread on your mixture. I like toasting mine first for extra crunch.
Bake or Save
Either pop them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or freeze them for later.
Time to Eat
If frozen just add a few extra minutes in the oven. Watch them disappear.

My Best Tips

Always start with room temperature ingredients they mix so much better. Be gentle when you fold in the crab you want those nice chunks. And definitely toast those muffins first makes all the difference.

Switch Things Up

Try these on baguette slices or ciabatta. Add hot sauce for kick or top with extra cheese before baking. My guests love when I get creative with the base.

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A plate of golden-brown, pan-fried rice cakes garnished with chopped green onions. | recipesbyclare.com

How to Serve

Perfect for parties brunch or snacking. I garnish with green onions for color and serve them piping hot. They're great alongside a crisp salad.

Make Ahead Magic

These are perfect for busy hosts. Make and freeze them unbaked then pop straight in the oven when needed. They keep frozen for 2 months.

A close-up of golden-brown biscuits garnished with chopped green onions, served on a white plate. Pin it
A close-up of golden-brown biscuits garnished with chopped green onions, served on a white plate. | recipesbyclare.com

About the Crab

Fresh crab is amazing but good quality canned works great. Just drain it well. If budget's tight imitation crab can work too.

Make It Special

For fancy occasions I add a touch of truffle oil or mix in some chopped shrimp. Top with fresh herbs and serve with champagne. Instant elegance.

A plate of golden, cheesy biscuits garnished with chopped green onions, with one biscuit partially broken open to reveal a gooey cheese filling. Pin it
A plate of golden, cheesy biscuits garnished with chopped green onions, with one biscuit partially broken open to reveal a gooey cheese filling. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can these be frozen?
Yes, freeze on a sheet pan first, then transfer to freezer bags. They last up to 3 months.
→ How do I reheat from frozen?
Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes or broil for 5 minutes until bubbly.
→ What cheese works best?
Kraft Old English cheese spread is traditional but any soft cheese spread works.
→ How many servings does this make?
Makes 12 muffin halves that can be cut into 4-6 pieces each.

Conclusion

Discover a quick and delicious appetizer featuring crab spread on English muffins. These Easy Crabbies are perfect for parties and can be prepared in advance.

Easy Crabbies

Quick cheesy crab appetizer on English muffins. Ready in 15 minutes or make ahead and freeze.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Tasty Bites

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 muffin halves)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 stick butter, softened.
02 6 ounces cheese spread.
03 1.5 teaspoons mayonnaise.
04 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt.
05 1/2 teaspoon salt.
06 8 ounces lump crab meat.
07 6 English muffins.

Instructions

Step 01

Beat butter, cheese, mayo and seasonings until smooth.

Step 02

Fold in drained crab meat.

Step 03

Spread on muffins, cut into triangles.

Step 04

Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Step 05

Freeze solid then bag. Reheat 12-15 minutes.

Notes

  1. Freezer-friendly appetizer.
  2. Cut before freezing.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet.
  • Mixing bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Shellfish.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 181
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 8 g