Description
Crab Crunchies is a deliciously cheesy and buttery baked appetizer featuring lump crab meat blended with creamy cheeses, seasonings, and topped with a crisp buttery cracker crust. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, this savory dip pairs wonderfully with toasted baguette slices or crackers for an irresistible seafood treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crab Mixture
- 8 ounces lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (optional, to taste)
Crust Topping
- 1 1/2 cups buttery round crackers (crushed, like Ritz)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For Serving
- Optional lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, thinly sliced green onions, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt if desired. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Fold in Crab Meat: Gently fold in the lump crab meat, careful to keep some pieces larger to maintain texture and bite within the dip.
- Spread Mixture in Dish: Transfer and spread the crab mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a uniform layer.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed buttery round crackers with melted unsalted butter. If using, add chopped fresh parsley and mix until the crumbs are well coated.
- Add Topping: Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker topping over the crab mixture in the baking dish, covering the surface completely to create a crisp topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cracker topping turns golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked Crab Crunchies to cool for about 5 minutes. Scoop onto crackers or toasted baguette slices and serve with optional lemon wedges for an added bright flavor.
Notes
- Lump crab meat delivers the best texture; however, drained canned crab can be used if fresh is unavailable.
- Adjust the Old Bay seasoning and lemon juice after tasting the mixture before baking to suit your preferences.
- For those who enjoy heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the crab mixture.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp the topping again.
