Crabbies Recipe is the ultimate cheesy, buttery, and savory seafood appetizer that is incredibly easy to make. If you love a good seafood snack that’s crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, this recipe is for you. These delicious crab and cheese English muffins come together in minutes and are perfect for parties, game nights, and make-ahead freezer meals.
With a mix of lump crabmeat, creamy cheese spread, butter, and seasonings, these Crabbies are baked until golden and bubbly. Whether you serve them as a quick snack or an impressive appetizer, they are sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this a stress-free recipe.
- Great for Entertaining – These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for parties, game days, and holiday gatherings.
- Crispy, Buttery, and Cheesy – A perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare in advance and freeze for a quick, hassle-free appetizer.
- Packed with Flavor – The combination of crab, garlic, butter, and cheese makes these irresistible.
Ingredients
You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to make 12 Crabbies:
- Butter (Softened) – Provides a creamy, rich base for the topping.
- Cheese Spread (Old English Cheese or Similar) – A sharp, smooth cheese spread that complements the crab.
- Mayonnaise – Enhances the creaminess and adds a touch of tang.
- Garlic Salt or Garlic Powder – Adds depth and brings out the savory flavors.
- Salt – Balances the flavors.
- Lump Crabmeat (Drained) – The star ingredient, adding a tender and delicate seafood flavor.
- English Muffins (Split in Half) – Provides a crispy base for the cheesy crab topping.
📌Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Crabbies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
If serving immediately, preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Make the Cheese and Crab Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cheese spread, mayonnaise, garlic salt, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Gently fold in the lump crabmeat with a fork, being careful not to break it up too much. Keeping some larger chunks ensures the best texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Crabbies
Spread a generous amount of the crab mixture onto each English muffin half. This should yield 12 Crabbies.
Step 4: Cut and Bake
Cut each Crabbie into 4-6 wedges, or leave them whole if preferred. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and serve immediately. These are best enjoyed warm.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Crabbies can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for convenience.
How to Freeze Crabbies
- Assemble the Crabbies as directed, but do not bake them.
- Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
- Transfer the frozen Crabbies to freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Frozen Crabbies
- Oven: Bake straight from frozen at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Broiler: Broil for 5 minutes for an extra crispy top.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Crabbies
- Use high-quality lump crabmeat for the best flavor and texture.
- Beat the cheese mixture thoroughly to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Drain the crab well to prevent excess moisture from making the topping too runny.
- Don’t overbake to keep the muffins from becoming too crispy or dry.
- Make extra and freeze so you always have a quick appetizer ready to bake.
How to Serve Crabbies
These Crabbies are versatile and can be served in different ways. Here are some ideas:
- As an Appetizer – Ideal for holiday parties, game days, and gatherings.
- Paired with Soup – Serve with tomato soup or clam chowder for a comforting meal.
- With a Side Salad – A fresh Caesar or garden salad balances out the richness.
- For Brunch – Enjoy with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a special breakfast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is simple, here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Using Watery Crab Meat
If the crabmeat is packed in water, drain it well and pat it dry to prevent a runny topping.
Not Mixing the Spread Well
Use a hand mixer to ensure the butter, cheese, and mayonnaise are fully incorporated for a creamy consistency.
Overbaking
Ten minutes is usually enough. Overbaking can cause the muffins to become too crisp and dry.
FAQs
Can I make Crabbies ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and freeze them unbaked for up to three months. Bake them straight from frozen when ready to serve.
Can I use fresh crab instead of canned?
Yes. Fresh lump crabmeat offers better flavor and texture. Just check for any leftover shell pieces.
What’s the best cheese spread to use?
Kraft Old English Cheese Spread is the most common choice, but any sharp cheddar-based cheese spread will work.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes. English muffins provide the best texture, but baguette slices, Texas toast, or even crackers can be used as alternatives.
Conclusion
Crabbies are the ultimate cheesy, buttery, crab-filled appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of crispy English muffins, creamy cheese, and tender lump crab creates a snack that is simple yet incredibly satisfying.
The best part is that they can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer, making them an easy solution for last-minute gatherings or cravings. Whether served at a party, alongside a warm bowl of soup, or as a quick snack, these Crabbies are sure to be a favorite.
Give them a try and enjoy this easy, delicious seafood appetizer.
Crabbies – The Best Cheesy Crab Appetizer
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
Cheese and Crab Mixture
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 jar cheese spread Old English or similar
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt or garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup lump crabmeat drained
Base
- 6 English muffins split in half
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F if serving immediately.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cheese spread, mayonnaise, garlic salt, and salt until smooth.
- Gently fold in the lump crabmeat with a fork, keeping some larger chunks for texture.
- Spread a generous amount of the crab mixture onto each English muffin half.
- Cut each Crabbie into 4-6 wedges, or leave whole if preferred.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy!