Description
Crab Crunchies are delightful bite-sized appetizers featuring a creamy crab mixture baked inside mini phyllo shells or served on buttery crackers. The creamy blend of lump crab meat, cream cheese, and seasonings is topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. Perfect for parties and gatherings, these warm, flavorful bites offer a delicious seafood option that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Crab Filling
- 1 cup lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 green onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
Serving
- 24 mini phyllo shells or buttery crackers
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature by the time you are ready to bake the crab crunchies.
- Prepare Crab Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the lump crab meat, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, finely chopped green onion, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated and creamy.
- Assemble Crab Bites: Arrange the mini phyllo shells or buttery crackers on a baking sheet. Spoon the prepared crab mixture evenly into each shell or onto each cracker, filling them generously but without overflowing.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are well coated. This will help create a golden, crunchy topping.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttery panko breadcrumbs evenly over the tops of each filled crab bite, ensuring each one has a generous amount for that signature crunch.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and the crab filling is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness and presentation.
Notes
- These crab crunchies make perfect party bites and are ideal for entertaining.
- You can prepare the crab filling in advance and assemble just before baking to save time.
- For a spicy variation, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the crab mixture.
- Be sure to pick over the crab meat carefully to avoid any shells for the best eating experience.
- Serve with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
