Are you looking for a delicious and impressive appetizer to serve at your next gathering? Look no further! Crab is a popular seafood choice that can elevate any dish, and when combined with other flavors and ingredients, it becomes truly irresistible. In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 mouthwatering crab appetizer recipes that are sure to please even the most discerning palates.
From classic combinations like crab and cream cheese wontons to more adventurous options like spicy crab sushi rolls, there’s something for everyone in this collection of recipes. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a new twist on an old favorite, these crab appetizers are sure to be a hit with your guests. So grab some fresh crab, get creative, and start cooking!
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Elevate your appetizer game with these succulent crab-stuffed mushrooms. Fresh crab meat and creamy cheese come together to create a rich and satisfying bite.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1/2 cup jumbo lump crab meat
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, gently combine crab meat, softened butter, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Wipe mushroom caps clean with a damp cloth and fill each cap with the crab mixture.
4. Place mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Crab Rangoon Dip
Satisfy your cravings with this indulgent dip, packed with the rich flavors of crab, cream cheese, and savory soy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) container of cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup of lump crab meat
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of green onions, chopped
– 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
– 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, crab meat, soy sauce, green onions, sesame oil, and garlic powder until smooth.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the dip.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve warm with your favorite dippers, such as crackers, chips, or vegetables.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mini Crab Cakes with Remoulade
A flavorful and bite-sized appetizer or snack that combines the sweetness of crab with a tangy remoulade sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat, drained and flaked
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Remoulade sauce (store-bought or homemade), for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, gently combine crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until just combined. Be careful not to break up the lumps of crab meat.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. When ready to cook, use a small ice cream scoop or spoon to form crab mixture into balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with melted butter.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve warm with remoulade sauce.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Crab and Avocado Bruschetta
Elevate your appetizer game with this refreshing twist on traditional bruschetta. Fresh crab, creamy avocado, and tangy lime come together to create a flavor combination that’s sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup lump crab meat (jumbo or claw)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet.
3. In a medium bowl, combine diced avocado, crab meat, lime juice, and garlic. Mix until well combined.
4. Spoon the crab-avocado mixture onto toasted baguette rounds.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Spicy Crab Sushi Rolls
Add a kick to your sushi game with these Spicy Crab Sushi Rolls! Crunchy tempura crab, spicy mayo, and sweet cucumber come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked crab meat
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup tempura bits (crab or vegetable)
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
– Sushi rice (cooked according to package instructions)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the spicy mayo by mixing mayonnaise and sriracha sauce together.
2. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed flat on a sushi mat or a piece of parchment paper.
3. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
4. Place a few pieces of tempura bits in the middle of the rice.
5. Add a spoonful of spicy crab meat (made by mixing cooked crab with spicy mayo) on top of the tempura bits.
6. Roll the sushi using the mat or parchment paper, applying gentle pressure.
7. Slice into 8 equal pieces and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Crab and Cream Cheese Wontons
Elevate your appetizer game with these succulent crab and cream cheese wontons, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 8 oz jumbo lump crab meat
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 2 green onions, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together crab meat, cream cheese, green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil until well combined.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the crab mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Dip your finger in water and run it along the edges of the wrapper.
4. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point. Press the edges together to seal the wonton.
5. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Cook wontons in boiling, salted water for 5-7 minutes or until they float to the surface.
7. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Garlic Butter Crab Bites
Experience the sweet and savory combination of fresh crab meat, garlic butter, and crispy breadcrumbs in these irresistible bite-sized treats.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat (fresh or frozen)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together crab meat, butter, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crab mixture onto the center of each breadcrumb-lined piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil (about 12-15 pieces).
4. Fold the parchment paper or foil over the filling to form a triangle or square shape, pressing edges together to seal.
5. Place the crab bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Crab and Corn Fritters
Crab and Corn Fritters: A Delicious Twist on Classic Fritters
These sweet and savory fritters are perfect for a summer evening or as an appetizer for your next gathering. With the combination of succulent crab meat, crunchy corn, and a hint of spice, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup jumbo lump crab meat
– 1 cup corn kernels
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. In a large bowl, combine crab meat, corn kernels, and buttermilk. Stir until well combined.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Using a spoon, drop small amounts of the mixture into the hot oil, about 1/4 cupfuls.
6. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Crab Stuffed Jalapeños
Crab Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe
Elevate your snack game with this sweet and spicy fusion of crab meat, cream cheese, and jalapeño peppers!
Ingredients:
- 12 large jalapeño peppers
- 1 (8 oz) container of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of lump crab meat
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: additional seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rinse the jalapeño peppers and remove seeds for desired level of heat.
- In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, crab meat, cilantro, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Stuff each jalapeño with the crab mixture, dividing it evenly among the peppers.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the filling is heated through and the peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Crab Louie Salad Cups
Elevate your salad game with these bite-sized Crab Louie Salad Cups, featuring succulent crab, tangy dressing, and crunchy lettuce. Perfect for a light and satisfying snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup jumbo lump crab meat
– 2 cups mixed greens (iceberg and romaine)
– 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
– 1/4 cup chopped celery
– 1/4 cup diced green onions
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Divide the mixed greens among 6-8 small cups or ramekins.
2. In a separate bowl, gently combine crab meat, Thousand Island dressing, celery, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Spoon the crab mixture over the greens in each cup.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Crab and Mango Summer Rolls
These sweet and savory summer rolls are perfect for hot summer days, combining the freshness of mango with the richness of crab. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these delicious and easy-to-make treats in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of spring roll wrappers
– 1/2 cup of jumbo lump crab meat
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the crab meat, mango, cilantro, soy sauce, and honey until well combined.
2. Lay a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the crab-mango mixture onto the center of the wrapper.
3. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up the wrapper to form a tight cylinder.
4. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
Cooking Time: None! These summer rolls are best served chilled or at room temperature.
Crab Deviled Eggs
Elevate your deviled egg game with the addition of succulent crab meat. This recipe is perfect for a sophisticated brunch or as a unique appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
– 1/2 cup jumbo lump crab meat
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
– Chopped chives or paprika for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks.
2. In a bowl, mix together the yolks, crab meat, Dijon mustard, horseradish, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Stir in the mayonnaise until smooth.
4. Spoon the yolk mixture evenly into the egg white halves.
5. Garnish with chives or paprika.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None required, as this is an assembled dish. Serve chilled.
Crab and Brie Phyllo Cups
Elevate your party with these bite-sized crab and brie phyllo cups, perfect for a quick and easy snack or appetizer. Flaky phyllo pastry is filled with creamy brie cheese, succulent crab meat, and a hint of tangy lemon.
Ingredients:
– 1 package phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 8 oz jumbo lump crab meat
– 6 oz brie cheese, softened
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Thaw phyllo dough according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix crab meat, brie cheese, melted butter, and lemon zest until well combined.
4. Layer phyllo dough in small cupcake liners or mini muffin tin.
5. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crab-brie mixture into each lined cup.
6. Fold edges of phyllo to create a neat package.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until phyllo is golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Old Bay Crab Dip
This classic Maryland-inspired dip combines the sweetness of crab meat with the bold flavor of Old Bay seasoning, perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) container of cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup of lump crab meat
– 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning
– 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
– 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese until smooth.
3. Add the crab meat, Old Bay seasoning, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or ramekin.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and slightly golden brown on top.
6. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Crab and Artichoke Crostini
Crab and Artichoke Crostini Recipe
Elevate your gathering with these indulgent bite-sized treats, combining the richness of crab meat with the subtle flavor of artichoke hearts.
Ingredients:
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 (8 oz) container of cream cheese, softened
– 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup of lump crab meat, drained and flaked
– 1/2 cup of canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, mayonnaise, and parsley until well combined.
3. Stir in the crab meat and artichoke hearts.
4. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Top each slice with about 1 tablespoon of the crab-artichoke mixture.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly toasted.
7. Serve warm, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Crab Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Elevate your appetizer game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the sweetness of cherry tomatoes with the richness of crab meat. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or as an elegant addition to any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup jumbo lump crab meat (fresh or canned)
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, gently combine crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay seasoning.
3. Stuff each tomato half with the crab mixture, mounding it slightly in the center.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the stuffed tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Garlic Crab Claws
Brighten up your next gathering with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the sweetness of crab with the zing of lemon and garlic. Perfect for a quick and easy appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound jumbo lump crab claws, rinsed and drained
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add crab claws to the skillet and toss to coat with garlic butter mixture.
4. Sprinkle Old Bay seasoning (if using) and season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer crab claws to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until pink and heated through.
6. Remove from oven and squeeze lemon juice over the crab claws.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Crab and Cucumber Canapés
Elevate your next gathering with these refreshing and flavorful canapés, perfect for a summer soiree or light bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup lump crab meat
– 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cucumber
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 package crackers (e.g. Ritz or water crackers)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, gently combine crab meat, cucumber, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay seasoning. Be careful not to break up the lumps of crab meat.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Arrange crackers on a serving platter or individual plates.
4. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crab mixture onto each cracker.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of crab with these 18 irresistible appetizer recipes! From classic combinations like Crab Stuffed Mushrooms and Mini Crab Cakes with Remoulade, to innovative twists like Spicy Crab Sushi Rolls and Crab and Mango Summer Rolls, there’s something for every taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack or a show-stopping party spread, these crabby creations are sure to impress your guests.