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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Position the oven rack midway and heat to 350°F, setting the stage for a golden, melty transformation.
- Mixture Creation: Blend shredded cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, seasoned salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined, creating a smooth, flavorful base.
- Crab Integration: Gently fold crab meat into the cheese mixture, ensuring delicate incorporation without compromising the meat’s tender structure.
- 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.
- Topping Application: Spread the crab-cheese mixture generously and evenly across each roll, ensuring a luxurious coating that promises intense flavor in every bite.
- Baking Process: Transfer rolls to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, allowing ingredients to warm through and flavors to meld seamlessly.
- Final Broiling: Activate the broiler and cook for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a perfectly bronzed, bubbling surface that signals ultimate deliciousness.
- 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