Oozy Crab & Cheese Melts Recipe: Golden Comfort Joy

Melted cheese and succulent crab meat create a heavenly crab & cheese delight melt that promises pure culinary bliss.

This irresistible sandwich combines rich, creamy textures with delicate seafood flavors.

Crispy golden bread embraces the luxurious filling, making every bite a sensational experience.

Fresh ingredients elevate this classic comfort food to new heights of deliciousness.

The perfect balance of sharp cheese and sweet crab meat delivers a mouthwatering combination that satisfies deep cravings.

Seafood lovers will adore this simple yet elegant dish that comes together in minutes.

Dive into this delectable treat and let your taste buds dance with joy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 9

Crab & Cheese Melts Ingredient List

• Ciabatta Rolls: Choose soft, fresh rolls with a light, airy texture that will crisp beautifully under the broiler.
• Crab Meat: Select high-quality, fresh lump or backfin crab meat for the richest, most delicate seafood flavor.

• Shredded Cheeses, Mayonnaise: Create a creamy, luxurious base that melts smoothly and adds rich, tangy depth to the dish.
• Green Onions: Provide a subtle, fresh zing that brightens the entire flavor profile.

• Seasoned Salt, Black Pepper: Elevate the overall taste with a balanced, warm spice blend that complements the delicate crab meat.

Gear for Crafting Crab Cheese Melts

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining and blending all ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: Perfect for gently folding crab meat and spreading mixture evenly on rolls.
• Broiler-Safe Baking Sheet: Crucial for baking and broiling the crab melts to golden perfection.
• Measuring Cup: Helps scoop the right amount of crab and cheese mixture onto each roll.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to split the ciabatta rolls cleanly.

Toasting and Melting Crab with Style

• Oven Warmup

Crank up the oven to a toasty 350°F, getting ready for some serious flavor magic.

• Cheesy Symphony

Blend your favorite cheeses with creamy mayo, zesty green onions, and a sprinkle of seasoning until everything looks irresistibly smooth.

• Ocean's Treasure

Gently fold delicate crab pieces into the cheesy mixture, treating the seafood like delicate silk.

• Roll Foundation

Slice ciabatta rolls open, laying them on a baking sheet with their soft insides facing upward.

• Generous Coating

Lavish each roll with a hearty scoop of the crab and cheese mixture, creating a thick, even blanket of deliciousness.

• Golden Transformation

Slide the pan into the oven for 15 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and intensify.

• Crispy Finale

Switch to broil for a quick 2-3 minutes, watching closely until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown with tempting bubbly edges.

Tips to Add More Kick to Crab Melts

• Crab Meat Magic: Choose fresh, high-quality lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture in your melts.
• Cheese Blend Brilliance: Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar and creamy monterey jack to create a more complex and rich flavor profile.
• Roll Selection Secrets: Opt for fresh, slightly crusty ciabatta rolls or try sourdough bread for an extra tangy twist that complements the seafood.
• Seasoning Shortcuts: Experiment with additional herbs like chopped fresh dill, chives, or a dash of Old Bay seasoning to elevate the crab and cheese mixture's taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the crab and cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator for a quick and easy meal prep option.

Presenting Melts That Are Perfect for Sharing

• Seafood Soirée Companion: Pair these melts with a crisp, zesty arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese and crab.
• Appetizer Adventure: Transform these melts into bite-sized party snacks by using mini ciabatta rolls or slicing the prepared melts into smaller sections for easy finger food.
• Wine & Dine Delight: Select a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the delicate crab and creamy cheese flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Fresh Finish Flourish: Garnish with finely chopped fresh chives or parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes that brighten the entire dish.

Storage That Keeps Crab Melts Tasty

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover melts in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture from compromising the texture.
• Quick Reheating Hack: Warm individual melts in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy bread and maintain crispy edges.
• Freezer-Friendly Prep: Assemble unbaked melts, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking as directed in original recipe.
• Ingredient Freshness Tips: Store unopened crab meat in coldest part of refrigerator. Use within 1-2 days of opening package. Check for any unusual odors before using to ensure quality and safety.

Crispy Crab & Cheese Melts Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Memorable crab & cheese delight melts combine succulent seafood with creamy cheese in a quick appetizer. Crisp golden edges and rich maritime flavors make this dish perfect for coastal-inspired gatherings you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (0.45 kg) fresh or canned crab claw meat
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 – 5 green onions, minced (including both green and white parts)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ tsp seasoned salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 8 four-inch crusty ciabatta rolls (artisan sandwich rolls preferred)
• Hot sauce for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position the oven rack midway and heat to 350°F, setting the stage for a golden, melty transformation.
2. Mixture Creation: Blend shredded cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, seasoned salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined, creating a smooth, flavorful base.
3. Crab Integration: Gently fold crab meat into the cheese mixture, ensuring delicate incorporation without compromising the meat’s tender structure.
4. Roll Preparation: Split ciabatta rolls lengthwise and arrange cut-side up on a broiler-safe baking sheet, creating a perfect canvas for the upcoming culinary masterpiece.
5. Topping Application: Spread the crab-cheese mixture generously and evenly across each roll, ensuring a luxurious coating that promises intense flavor in every bite.
6. Baking Process: Transfer rolls to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, allowing ingredients to warm through and flavors to meld seamlessly.
7. Final Broiling: Activate the broiler and cook for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a perfectly bronzed, bubbling surface that signals ultimate deliciousness.
8. Serving: Remove from oven and let melts rest briefly, allowing the cheese to settle before presenting these coastal-inspired delicacies.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a blend with good melting properties like mild cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere for optimal gooey texture and rich flavor.
• Crab Meat Quality Impacts Taste: Use fresh or high-quality pasteurized lump crab meat for the most authentic and delicious seafood experience.
• Watch Broiling Closely: Keep a close eye during the final 2-3 minutes to prevent burning and achieve a perfectly golden-brown, bubbling surface.
• Resting Time Enhances Texture: Allow melts to rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking, letting cheese stabilize and flavors meld for a more enjoyable eating experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 40mg