Crab Melt

Crab Melt

The Crab Melt is a delightful, indulgent dish that combines the rich, sweet flavor of crab with melted cheese and a crispy, buttery toast. Perfect for a light lunch or a quick dinner, this open-faced sandwich is packed with savory goodness that will satisfy any seafood lover’s cravings.

The combination of tender crabmeat, creamy mayonnaise, sharp cheese, and a perfectly toasted bread base creates a mouthwatering experience. If you’re looking for an easy yet elegant dish, the Crab Melt is a great choice that promises both flavor and comfort.

Ingredients

For the Crab Filling:

1/2 pound fresh crabmeat, picked over for shells (or canned crabmeat)

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Melt:

4 slices of sourdough bread (or any bread of your choice)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)

1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

For Garnish (optional):

Fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Lemon wedges

How to Make

Step 1: Prepare the Crab Filling

In a large bowl, combine the crabmeat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Stir gently to mix everything together, being careful not to break up the crab too much.

Add the chopped parsley and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Toast

Preheat your oven’s broiler.

Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.

Place the bread slices, buttered side up, on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 3: Assemble the Crab Melt

Once the bread is toasted, remove it from the oven.

Spoon the prepared crab mixture generously onto each slice of toasted bread, spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the top of the crab mixture. If you like, you can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan for an extra boost of flavor.

Step 4: Broil the Crab Melts

Return the bread with the crab mixture to the oven, placing it under the broiler for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are slightly browned.

Once the cheese has melted and the crust is crispy, remove the Crab Melts from the oven.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve with lemon wedges for a zesty touch.

Serve immediately with a side salad or fries for a complete meal.

Chef’s Note

For extra richness, you can add a few dashes of hot sauce to the crab filling for a slight kick.

If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version of the filling.

You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as ciabatta or whole-grain, for a different texture.

The Crab Melt is versatile; feel free to mix in other ingredients like sautéed spinach or caramelized onions for added flavor.

For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality crabmeat. If you are using canned crabmeat, make sure to drain it well.

Nutrition Information (per serving, serves 2)

Calories: 490

Protein: 26g

Carbohydrates: 30g

Fat: 28g

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 4g

Sodium: 580mg

The Crab Melt is an easy yet indulgent dish that combines the flavors of fresh seafood with the comforting textures of melted cheese and crispy bread. Whether enjoyed as a snack, light lunch, or dinner, this recipe is a delicious way to savor crab in a unique and satisfying way.