Maryland Crab Delight Bites
Experience the quintessential taste of Maryland with these delectable Crab Delight Bites, perfect for any gathering throughout the year. Using fresh crabmeat sourced from local suppliers like Gibby's Seafood Market, these vibrant appetizers encapsulate the essence of Maryland's culinary tradition. With a rich and creamy base of softened cream cheese and sour cream, combined with the aromatic flavors of Old Bay seasoning and fresh vegetables, these bites are bursting with flavor. Each phyllo cup is generously filled with this savory mix, making them irresistibly good. As guests gather around, they’ll enjoy the convenience of handheld bites that'll have them licking their fingers. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy winter gathering, these Crab Delight Bites will surely be a hit, leaving very little behind on the trays!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
crabmeat
1 lb (Freshly picked or lump crabmeat)
cream cheese
8 ounces (Softened to room temperature)
sour cream
1/2 cup (Regular or light sour cream)
green onions
2 (Minced)
bell pepper
1/4 cup (Chopped finely (yellow or red if available))
Old Bay Seasoning
1 tablespoon (Adjust to taste)
celery seed
1 teaspoon (Ground)
celery
1 teaspoon (Minced)
Tabasco sauce
2 drops (Optional)
miniature phyllo cups
2 (21 ounce) (Preferably Athens brand (15 shells each box))
paprika
1 dash (For decoration)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, minced green onions, finely chopped bell pepper, Old Bay seasoning, celery seed, minced celery, and Tabasco sauce (if using). Mix well until you have a smooth and creamy consistency, ensuring no lumps remain.
3
Gently fold in the crabmeat, being careful not to overmix. The goal is to achieve a harmonious blend of flavors while preserving the delicate texture of the crab.
4
Arrange the phyllo cups on a baking sheet. Generously fill each mini phyllo shell with about 1 tablespoon of the crab mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
5
Lightly sprinkle the filled cups with paprika for added color and flavor.
6
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the tops are lightly golden.
7
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Maryland Crab Delight Bites?
They are a savory appetizer featuring fresh crabmeat, cream cheese, and Old Bay seasoning served in phyllo cups.
What type of crabmeat should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of freshly picked or lump crabmeat for the best texture and flavor.
How much cream cheese is required?
You will need 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Can I use light sour cream in this recipe?
Yes, you can use either regular or light sour cream for the creamy base of the filling.
What vegetables are added to the crab mixture?
The mixture includes minced green onions, finely chopped bell pepper, and minced celery.
What kind of bell pepper is recommended?
While any bell pepper works, yellow or red varieties are suggested for added color.
How much Old Bay Seasoning is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of Old Bay Seasoning, which can be adjusted to your personal taste.
Is there a specific brand of phyllo cups recommended?
Athens brand miniature phyllo cups are preferred for this appetizer.
How many phyllo shells does the recipe fill?
The recipe fills approximately 30 shells, which is typically two 21-ounce boxes of 15 shells each.
What is the purpose of celery seed in this recipe?
Ground celery seed is used to add a concentrated aromatic flavor to the savory crab mix.
Is the Tabasco sauce necessary?
No, the 2 drops of Tabasco sauce are optional and used to provide a subtle hint of heat.
How do I prepare the filling to ensure it is smooth?
Combine the cream cheese, sour cream, vegetables, and seasonings first, mixing until no lumps remain before adding the crab.
How should the crabmeat be added to the mixture?
Gently fold in the crabmeat to avoid overmixing and to preserve the delicate texture of the meat.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How much filling goes into each phyllo cup?
Each mini phyllo shell should be generously filled with about 1 tablespoon of the crab mixture.
What is the garnish for these crab bites?
A dash of paprika is sprinkled on top of each filled cup for decoration and added flavor.
How long do the Maryland Crab Delight Bites bake?
Bake them for 25 to 30 minutes until the filling is bubbly and the tops are lightly golden.
Should these be served hot or cold?
They should be allowed to cool slightly after baking and are typically served warm.
Where is a recommended place to source crabmeat for this recipe?
The recipe mentions local suppliers like Gibby's Seafood Market for high-quality fresh crabmeat.
Are these bites suitable for a summer barbecue?
Yes, they are versatile enough for summer barbecues or cozy winter gatherings.
What makes these a quintessentially Maryland dish?
The combination of fresh local crabmeat and Old Bay seasoning captures the traditional culinary essence of the region.
Is there any special equipment needed?
You will need a large mixing bowl for the filling and a baking sheet to arrange the phyllo cups.
What is the texture of the finished bites?
The bites feature a rich and creamy interior with a delicate, crispy outer shell from the phyllo.
Can the green onions be substituted?
While the recipe specifies green onions, they provide the intended aromatic flavor and color for the filling.
How many ingredients are in the Maryland Crab Delight Bites?
The recipe consists of 11 ingredients, including the seasonings and the garnish.
What is the best way to mince the vegetables?
Vegetables should be chopped finely to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the creamy filling.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
The instructions do not specify greasing the sheet, as the phyllo cups generally do not stick.
Can I use ground celery instead of minced fresh celery?
The recipe uses both 1 teaspoon of ground celery seed and 1 teaspoon of minced fresh celery for varied texture and flavor.
Is the recipe easy for parties?
Yes, these are designed as convenient handheld bites that are perfect for serving guests at any gathering.
What is the primary flavor profile of the dish?
The dish is savory, creamy, and vibrant, with the distinct spiced profile of Old Bay and fresh seafood.