Decadent Crab Meltaway Bites
These Decadent Crab Meltaway Bites are a crowd-pleaser that your guests will rave about! Inspired by a delightful Super Bowl Party dish brought by my sister-in-law, these little bites are not only incredibly rich and flavorful but also exceptionally easy to prepare. Combining the sweet, delicate taste of fresh crabmeat with creamy processed cheese and a hint of garlic, these meltaways are sure to be the star of any appetizer table. Perfect for game day or as a fancy hors d'oeuvre at your next gathering, they're easy to freeze and reheat, making them a clever make-ahead option. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear in moments!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
English muffins
12 (sliced in half)
crabmeat
1 lb (fresh or canned, drained)
processed cheese spread
2 (5 ounce) jars (preferably Old English)
salt
1 teaspoon
garlic powder
1 teaspoon
mayonnaise
4 tablespoons
butter
1 cup (softened)
Old Bay Seasoning
1 dash
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven's broiler to high.
2
Allow the butter and processed cheese spread to reach room temperature for easy mixing.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crabmeat, processed cheese, mayonnaise, salt, garlic powder, and a dash of Old Bay seasoning. Gently fold until all ingredients are well mixed, being careful not to break up the crab too much.
4
Slice the 12 English muffins in half and spread a generous layer of the crab mixture evenly on each muffin half.
5
Using a pizza cutter, slice each muffin half into quarters for bite-sized pieces.
6
Arrange the pieces on a cookie sheet in a single layer and place them in the freezer for about 1 hour. If you're saving some for later, transfer them to freezer-proof bags, ensuring to squeeze out as much air as possible. These can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
7
To serve, place the frozen or freshly prepared meltaways on a baking sheet and broil for 4-5 minutes or until they are golden, bubbling, and fragrant.
8
Serve warm and enjoy the delightful reaction from your guests!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Crab Meltaway Bites?
Decadent Crab Meltaway Bites are rich, flavorful appetizers made with fresh crabmeat, creamy processed cheese, and a hint of garlic on English muffin bases.
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein in this recipe is 1 lb of crabmeat, which can be fresh or canned and drained.
How do I prepare the English muffins for the meltaway bites?
You should slice 12 English muffins in half and spread a generous layer of the crab mixture evenly on each half.
What type of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 5-ounce jars of processed cheese spread, preferably the Old English variety.
Can I use canned crabmeat for these bites?
Yes, you can use either fresh or canned crabmeat, just ensure that canned crabmeat is properly drained.
Should the butter be cold or softened?
The butter should be room temperature or softened to allow for easy mixing with the other ingredients.
How do I mix the crab mixture without ruining the texture?
You should gently fold the crabmeat into the other ingredients until well mixed, being careful not to break up the crab too much.
How do I cut the muffins into bite-sized pieces?
The best method is to use a pizza cutter to slice each prepared muffin half into quarters.
What is the best way to cook the crab meltaways?
These bites should be broiled on high for 4-5 minutes until they are golden, bubbling, and fragrant.
Can I make these crab bites ahead of time?
Yes, they are a great make-ahead option as they can be frozen before cooking and broiled when needed.
How long can I store these bites in the freezer?
They can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months in freezer-proof bags.
What seasonings are used in this crab recipe?
The recipe uses salt, garlic powder, and a dash of Old Bay Seasoning for flavor.
How much mayonnaise is required?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise.
Why should I freeze the pieces for one hour before storing them?
Freezing them in a single layer on a cookie sheet for an hour prevents them from sticking together once you transfer them to a freezer bag.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
You should set your oven to the high broiler setting.
How many English muffins are needed for a full batch?
You will need 12 English muffins, which creates 24 halves or 96 bite-sized pieces.
Are these crab bites suitable for game day?
Yes, they were inspired by a Super Bowl party dish and are perfect for game day or as party appetizers.
How much butter is needed for the mixture?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of softened butter.
Do I need to thaw the frozen bites before broiling them?
No, you can place the frozen meltaways directly on a baking sheet and broil them.
What should I do when bagging the bites for the freezer?
You should ensure you squeeze out as much air as possible from the freezer-proof bags to maintain freshness.
Is this a difficult recipe to prepare?
No, this recipe is described as exceptionally easy to prepare and is categorized as an easy recipe.
What category of dish is this?
This dish is categorized as an appetizer, finger food, and snack.
How much salt is included?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What texture should the finished bites have?
The finished bites should be golden, bubbling, and have a rich, 'meltaway' texture.
Is there a specific way to serve them?
They should be served warm, immediately after broiling.
Can I use a different type of seasoning?
While Old Bay is recommended for the classic flavor, you can adjust seasonings to your preference.
What is the prep time involved?
The recipe is quick to assemble, with a recommended 1-hour freezer firming time if you aren't cooking them immediately.
What makes these bites 'meltaway'?
The combination of a full cup of butter and processed cheese spread creates a very creamy, rich topping that melts in your mouth.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: English muffins, crabmeat, processed cheese spread, salt, garlic powder, mayonnaise, butter, and Old Bay Seasoning.