Delicious Crab Salad Melt Recipe | Easy & Quick Lunch Idea
The sweet and salty taste of seafood has captivated my taste buds for as long as I can remember. One dish that always delivers that delicious flavor is my Crab Salad English Muffin Melt Recipe. It’s a dish that combines the richness of crab meat, the creaminess of mayonnaise, and the sharpness of shredded cheddar cheese in a harmonious marriage.
If you’re looking for something to add to your old-fashioned favorite recipes, then look no further than this recipe. And don’t let the mention of crab meat intimidate you. While fresh crab is the best option for this recipe, canned crab or even imitation crab meat can also do wonders.
So, get yourself ready for an explosion of flavors in each bite with my Crab Salad English Muffin Melt Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a seafood lover like me, you’re going to adore this Crab Salad English Muffin Melt Recipe. Not only is it delicious and filling, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, which makes it a great option for those days when you just want a quick and tasty snack.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is the combination of ingredients. The crab meat is fresh and flavorful, while the shredded cheddar cheese brings the perfect amount of cheesy indulgence to the mix. When these two ingredients come together, they create a taste that’s both indulgent and comforting.
The English muffins are also a key component in this recipe. They’re sturdy enough to hold all the ingredients without falling apart, but they’re also soft and tender enough to add a subtle texture to each bite. Plus, who doesn’t love the classic taste of an English muffin?
Another reason why you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily switch out the crab meat for tuna or canned crab if that’s what you have on hand, or even opt for a vegan crab sandwich by using imitation crab cakes. This recipe allows for so much creativity and customization based on your preferences.
Lastly, let’s not forget how easy it is to store and reheat these melts if you have leftovers. Simply place them in an airtight container in the fridge and they’ll stay fresh for days. When ready to enjoy again, just pop them in the oven at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes until the cheese starts to melt again.
In short, this Crab Salad English Muffin Melt Recipe is bursting with flavor and is perfect for any seafood lover looking for a quick and satisfying snack. It’s versatile, easy to store/reheat, and simply delicious – what more could you ask for?
Ingredient List
Here is the list of all the ingredients that you will need to make the Crab Salad English Muffin Melt Recipe:
For the Crab Salad mix:
- 1 pound fresh or canned crab meat
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 jar of chopped celery
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dill weed
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dill, garlic, and salt blend
For the English muffin melt:
- 4 English muffins, split in half
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Garlic salt
Make sure to have all ingredients ready before starting the recipe!
The Recipe How-To
Let me guide you through the process of making this crab salad English muffin melt recipe. Before we proceed, make sure you have all the ingredients from the list above.
Preheat the Oven to 375°F
First and foremost, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix the Crab Salad
While waiting for your oven to heat up, let us begin by making the crab salad mixture. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup canned or fresh crab meat, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tsp dill weed, 1 tsp lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste, and mix well.
Prepare the English Muffins
Next, split 4 English muffins in half and arrange them on a baking sheet. Spread the crab salad mixture onto each muffin half top with the shredded Cheddar cheese.
Bake in the Oven
Place the prepared muffins into the preheated oven and bake them for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese starts to melt and become bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once done, take them out from the oven and let cool for a bit. Serve warm on a platter and best paired with a fresh vegetable salad on the side.
Congratulations! You have just made a delicious cheesy crab meal that is perfect for any time of day.
Substitutions and Variations
As with many recipes, there are several substitutions and variations for this crab salad English muffin melt recipe that you can try. Here are some ideas to consider:
1. Cheese: Instead of using shredded cheddar cheese, you can mix in other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper Jack, to give the crab melt an extra kick.
2. Bread: If you don’t have English muffins on hand or want to switch things up, try using sourdough bread or a French baguette instead.
3. Crab Meat: This recipe calls for one pound of fresh crab meat, but canned crab will work in a pinch. You can also try using imitation crab for a budget-friendly alternative.
4. Spices: While the recipe uses a blend of dill weed, garlic salt, salt and pepper, feel free to experiment with different spices to suit your palate. A dash of chili powder can add some heat, while smoked paprika imparts a smoky flavor.
5. Vegan Version: For those opting for a vegan version of the recipe, canned hearts of palm or artichoke hearts make great meat substitutes. Simply mix them with vegan mayo and the same spices as the original recipe.
Whether you’re looking to switch things up or make the recipe more budget-friendly or vegetarian-friendly, these substitutions and variations give you plenty of options to create your own spin on this classic British dish.
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve made this heavenly Crab Salad English Muffin Melt, it’s best to serve it hot and fresh straight from the oven. You’ll get the cheesy crab goodness when the cheese starts to melt and turns golden brown. Its aroma is so appetizing and irresistible that your family and friends will surely come running to your kitchen.
This dish makes a perfect brunch or lunch meal when paired with a refreshing fruit salad or a side of steamed vegetables. If you prefer a more filling combo, then go ahead and pair it with a cup of soup, preferably tomato soup. The acidic flavor of tomatoes complements well with the creamy crab meat and melted cheddar cheese.
In terms of beverages, I would recommend serving it with iced tea, soda or beer to balance out the richness in flavor of the Crab Salad English Muffin Melt. However, if you’re feeling fancy or celebrating a special occasion, then pairing this dish with a glass of white wine would also be perfect!
Overall, this Crab Salad English Muffin Melt is versatile enough as it can serve as an appetizer or entree at any event – not to mention its simplicity in preparation – making it one of the best crab muffin recipes out there!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Preparing everything from scratch can be time-consuming, especially when you have a special guest or a gathering to enjoy. If you’re planning on hosting family and friends, these crab salad English muffin melts can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed. Not only is it an excellent timesaver, but it also keeps the cheese melted and the bread crisp, making for a delightful and satisfying snack.
To make ahead of time, bake the melts as directed and let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. You can store these melts in the fridge for up to two days. When it’s time to reheat them, simply preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and place the melts on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese starts to bubble.
If you plan on taking this recipe to-go, I suggest keeping any leftover crab salad mixture in a separate container from the English muffin halves and shredded cheddar cheese. This way, the bread won’t dampen or get soggy with the salad mixture.
However, if you happen to have leftovers after serving this famous British snack at home, it’s best to store them correctly. Wrap each melt tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. You can store these in your fridge for up to three days. To reheat these leftovers, preheat your oven again at 375 degrees Fahrenheit and heat it up for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
With that said, I wouldn’t recommend freezing these crab salad English muffin melts as they’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven with melting cheese goodness.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you know how to make this scrumptious Crab Salad English Muffin Melt recipe, it is time to perfect it. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you achieve the best results for your dish.
Firstly, when baking the melts, do not overcook them. The perfect cheesy crab melt is baked until the cheese starts to turn golden brown, which should take between 10-15 minutes in a 375-degree oven. Make sure to keep an eye on them while they bake so that they don’t burn.
Secondly, if you prefer a creamier crab mixture, try using a little more mayonnaise than what the recipe requires. You can add up to 1/4 cup more mayonnaise without affecting the overall taste of the Crab Salad English Muffin Melt.
Thirdly, spice up the Crab Salad by adding some garlic salt or dill weed to the mixture before placing it on top of the English muffin half. Adding a little bit of lemon juice also gives it an added zest that makes it refreshing and tastes richer.
Fourthly, using fresh crab meat is always better than canned crab meat when making this recipe. The fresher your ingredients are, the better your Crab Salad English Muffin Melts will taste.
Fifthly, if you opt for substitutions like vegan “crab” sandwich or imitation crab cakes instead of using real crab meat, make sure to adjust seasonings accordingly as per your preference to maintain the flavor profile properly.
Lastly, do not shy away from experimenting with other cheese types based on individual preferences. Cream cheese as a spread works incredibly well with cheddar cheese as it adds an extra creamy texture that elevates the entire dish.
By following these tips and tricks, your Crab Salad English Muffin Melts will turn out just as good as restaurant-quality melts, leaving you craving for more with every bite you take.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Crab Salad English Muffin Melt is a must-try for any seafood lover looking to indulge in a delicious and straightforward dish. The combination of creamy crab mixture and melted cheddar cheese on top of an English muffin half is sure to leave you craving more. You can easily customize the recipe to fit your taste and preferences, making it suitable for any occasion.
Whether preparing for a snack, lunch or even dinner, this recipe is sure to leave you satisfied. With the option of making ahead, storing and reheating, it saves time and could make meal prep much more convenient. Moreover, the addition of substitutions and variations options like vegan crab sandwich, open-faced crab meltaways, imitation crab cakes among others provides room for variety.
With these detailed instructions, tips and recommendations on this British cuisine recipe article, I hope that you will try out this cheesy Crab Salad English Muffin Melt soon. Once you go through the easy preparation process, enjoy your mouthwatering meal!
Crab Salad English Muffin Melt Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 English muffins, halved
- 1 lb crab salad
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Spread the crab salad over each english muffin half and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in a 375 degree oven for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese starts to bubble.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.