Crabbies (Easy Recipe)

Remember crabbies? They were such a huge thing years and years ago, but now I rarely see them anywhere. Let’s bring them back, shall we?

Crabbies are scrumptious appetizers made with a cheesy crabmeat filling on top of crispy toast.

They’re sliced into small triangles, and they’re bite-sized wonders that will surely disappear in no time.

The best part? They taste so fancy, but they’re surprisingly easy to make.

So, if you’re looking for a not-so-new seafood appetizer to serve at your next party, I have you covered. 

Crabbies

These scrumptious treats are a seafood lover’s paradise.

Sweet crabmeat is mixed with butter, cheese, and mayo to create a sweet, creamy, and cheesy spread.

Smothered all over English muffins and baked until bubbly, these crabbies are the stuff of seafood legends.

These starters freeze beautifully, so you can either serve them today or prepare them ahead of time.

They’ll taste just as fresh and delicious as the day they were made!

Can You Substitute the Cheese Spread? 

I like to use Kraft Old English Cheese spread for this recipe because its flavor is simply unmatched.

It has a sharp, tangy flavor that you couldn’t get from other cheese spreads.

So, if you ask me, my answer is no. But, at the end of the day, it’s still your call! 

The closest in taste to Kraft Old English Cheese spread is Kraft Cheez Whiz, so you can use that in a pinch.

How to Make Crabbies 

If you’re serving the crabbies on the spot, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re serving them later, skip this step.

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cheese spread, mayonnaise, garlic salt, and salt at medium speed.

Be sure to use softened butter and cheese spread for easier blending.

Once combined, add the crabmeat and gently mix it in with a fork. Do this carefully to keep the crabmeat from falling apart.

Gently spread the mixture on top of open-faced muffins.

You can toast the muffins beforehand at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes, or until they start to turn golden.

Slice the crabbies into 4-6 triangles, if you’re serving them as an appetizer. You can leave them unsliced, otherwise.

Top the crabbies with shredded cheese if you want them more ooey-gooey.

Pop them in the oven and bake them for 10 minutes, or until crisp and bubbly. Let them cool slightly for a few minutes. Serve and enjoy!

If you’re serving for later, place the crabbies on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 to 2 hours, or until frozen solid.

Transfer them into freezer-safe bags. Be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

When ready to use, heat the crabbies at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes, or broil for 5 minutes.

Let them cool slightly for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Making The Best Dish  

• Use fresh crabmeat if you have access to it and if your budget permits. The taste of fresh crab is unparalleled! 
• If you have to use canned crabmeat, look for lump crabmeat – this kind comes in large chunks.
• If you can’t find either fresh or canned crab meat, try corned beef. The flavor will of course be different, but delicious just as well.
• Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients. Because of their textures, they’ll be a challenge to whisk by hand.
• Be sure to use softened butter to make mixing a breeze. You’ll also want to take out the jar of cheese spread out of the fridge 30 minutes beforehand as well.
• If you forget to set the butter on the counter, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it up. 
• The only purpose of the mayo is to bind the ingredients together, so don’t add too much. You’ll want the flavor of the crab meat to really shine.
• Add the crab meat last. Beat the rest of the ingredients together first, and then gently fold in the crab meat to prevent it from disintegrating.
• This recipe calls for English muffins, but other types of bread will work, too, as long as they’re crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside. Good examples include brioche buns, baguettes, sourdough, pumpernickel, and ciabatta.
• You can also spread the crabby mixture on saltine crackers for an easy appetizer.
• Toast the bread beforehand to give them an extra crispy texture.
• Be gentle when spreading the mixture over the muffins to keep the crab from falling apart.
• Make your crabbies cheesier by topping them with shredded Swiss cheese or Monterey Jack. Be sure to shred your own cheese, though! Pre-shredded cheeses are coated with cellulose to prevent them from clumping together. It’s safe to eat, but it hinders the cheese from melting at full capacity.
• Garnish the crabbies with green onions for a nice pop of color and an added layer of flavor.
• Crabbies are a fantastic appetizer, but you can also serve them for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. Just turn the crab mixture into a sandwich filling and you’re all set.
• If you’re a fan of spicy food, add heat to your crabbies by mixing in tabasco sauce,  sriracha, or cayenne pepper.

More Seafood Appetizers You’ll Love

Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

Easy Crab Cakes

Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp

16 Imitation Crab Recipes