Decadent Crab & Cheez Whiz Canapés
Indulge in these decadent crab canapés that blend the rich flavors of crabmeat with the creamy goodness of Cheez Whiz. Perfect for any occasion, from sophisticated cocktail parties to casual game-day gatherings, these delightful appetizers are sure to impress your guests. The recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences—add more Cheez Whiz for a creamier texture, or butter for a richer flavor. They freeze beautifully, making it easy to whip up a batch ahead of time. Serve warm and watch them disappear in an instant!
36
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
Cheese Whiz
1 (5 ounce) jar (softened)
garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Lawry's Seasoned Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
crabmeat, drained
1 (6 1/2 ounce) can (drained)
English muffins
6 (split)
Instructions
1
Begin by letting the butter and Cheese Whiz sit at room temperature until softened.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, Cheese Whiz, garlic salt, and Lawry's Seasoned Salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3
Gently fold in the drained crabmeat, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4
Take the split English muffins and generously spread the crab mixture over each half.
5
Cut each muffin half into 6 pie-shaped wedges and arrange them on a cookie sheet.
6
For immediate baking, broil the canapés for 2 minutes or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7
To freeze, skip the cutting step; instead, freeze the muffin halves on a cookie sheet. Once frozen, use an electric knife to slice them into canapés, then store in zip-top bags for long-term enjoyment. This method helps retain the crab mixture in place.
8
When ready to use, thaw the canapés for 10 minutes before baking or broiling.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Crab & Cheez Whiz Canapés?
They are an indulgent appetizer that blends rich crabmeat with creamy Cheez Whiz on toasted English muffin wedges.
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You will need butter, Cheez Whiz, garlic salt, Lawry's Seasoned Salt, canned crabmeat, and English muffins.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields approximately 36 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
Bake the canapés at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 12 minutes.
Can I broil these canapés instead of baking them?
Yes, you can broil them for 2 minutes until they are golden and bubbly.
How do I prepare the crabmeat?
Use one 6.5-ounce can of crabmeat and ensure it is thoroughly drained before mixing.
How should the butter and Cheez Whiz be prepared?
Both the butter and Cheez Whiz should sit at room temperature until they are softened for easy mixing.
What seasonings are used in these canapés?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt and 1/2 teaspoon of Lawry's Seasoned Salt.
How many wedges should I cut from each English muffin?
Each split English muffin half should be cut into 6 pie-shaped wedges.
Can these crab canapés be frozen?
Yes, they freeze beautifully and can be prepared ahead of time.
What is the best way to freeze the canapés?
Freeze the muffin halves whole on a cookie sheet first, then slice them once frozen and store in zip-top bags.
How do I slice the frozen muffin halves?
An electric knife is recommended to slice the frozen halves into canapés to help keep the crab mixture in place.
How long should I thaw frozen canapés before cooking?
Thaw the frozen canapés for about 10 minutes before you begin baking or broiling.
Can I make the canapés creamier?
Yes, you can adjust the recipe by adding more Cheez Whiz for a creamier texture.
How can I make the flavor richer?
For a richer flavor profile, you can increase the amount of butter in the mixture.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as Lunch/Snacks.
Are these suitable for formal parties?
Absolutely, they are perfect for sophisticated cocktail parties or casual game-day gatherings.
How do I mix the ingredients?
Mix the softened butter, Cheez Whiz, and salts until smooth, then gently fold in the crabmeat.
How much Cheez Whiz is required?
The recipe uses one 5-ounce jar of Cheez Whiz.
How much butter is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of softened butter.
How do I ensure the crab is evenly distributed?
Gently fold the drained crabmeat into the cheese mixture to distribute it evenly without breaking it up too much.
What kind of bread is used for the base?
Standard English muffins, split in half, are used as the base for the canapés.
How many English muffins do I need?
You will need 6 English muffins for this recipe.
What is the final appearance of the canapés?
They should be golden and bubbly when they are finished cooking.
Is this recipe easy to scale up?
Yes, it is incredibly versatile and easy to double or triple for larger crowds.
Should I use an electric knife?
An electric knife is specifically helpful if you are slicing the canapés from a frozen state.
Can I serve these immediately?
Yes, they are best served warm immediately after baking or broiling.
What should I store leftovers in?
Leftovers or frozen portions should be stored in zip-top bags for long-term enjoyment.
Does the recipe use fresh or canned crab?
The recipe specifies 1 can of drained crabmeat, though it is versatile enough for fresh crab.
What is the texture of the crab mixture?
The mixture is smooth and creamy thanks to the blend of softened butter and Cheez Whiz.