Crab Crunchies Snack: The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Seafood Treats

Crab Crunchies Snack is a delightful treat that brings the ocean’s flavors right to your fingertips. As a lover of seafood, I can’t help but be captivated by the crispy, savory goodness of these snacks. Originating from coastal regions where fresh crab is abundant, this recipe has evolved into a beloved snack that many enjoy at parties, picnics, or simply as a quick bite at home. The combination of crunchy textures and rich crab flavor makes Crab Crunchies Snack a favorite among seafood enthusiasts and snack lovers alike.

What I adore about this dish is its versatility; it can be served as an appetizer or enjoyed on its own. The satisfying crunch paired with the umami taste of crab creates a unique experience that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a convenient option for any occasion. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of crab meat (fresh or canned, drained and flaked)
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 cup of green onions, finely chopped
• 1 cup of crushed crackers (like Ritz or saltines)
• 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying

Preparing the Mixture

Let’s start by preparing the crab mixture. This is where all the flavors come together, and it’s super easy!

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend them until smooth and creamy. This will be the base of our mixture.
2. Add the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce to the bowl. These ingredients will add a nice tangy flavor to the mixture. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
3. Next, gently fold in the crab meat. If you’re using canned crab, make sure to drain it well and flake it apart with a fork. If you’re using fresh crab, ensure it’s cooked and shredded. Be careful not to break up the crab too much; we want some nice chunks in our snack!
4. Now, add the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay seasoning, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the crab meat is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
5. Finally, fold in the chopped green onions. They add a fresh crunch and a pop of color to our crab crunchies!

Preparing the Coating

Now that our crab mixture is ready, it’s time to prepare the coating that will give our snacks that delightful crunch.

1. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed crackers and panko breadcrumbs. The combination of these two will give us a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy crab filling.
2. Mix the crushed crackers and panko breadcrumbs together until they are well combined. You can add a pinch of salt or more Old Bay seasoning if you like your snacks extra flavorful!

Forming the Crab Crunchies

With our mixture and coating ready, it’s time to form the crab crunchies!

1. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, take about a tablespoon of the crab mixture and form it into a small ball or patty. You can make them as big or small as you like, but I find that about 1-inch balls work perfectly for snacking.
2. Once you’ve formed all the balls, roll each one in the cracker and panko mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior!
3. Place the coated crab crunchies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each one to allow for even cooking.

Cooking the Crab Crunchies

Now comes the fun part—cooking our crab crunchies! You can either fry them for a crispy finish or bake them for a healthier option.

Frying Method

1. In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of the crab mixture into the oil; if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
2. Carefully add a few crab crunchies to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
3. Once they are cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Baking Method

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This method is a bit healthier and still yields delicious results!
2. Place the baking sheet with the crab crunchies in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may want to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Assembling and Serving

Once your crab crunchies are cooked, it’s time to serve them up!

1. Transfer the cooked crab crunchies to a serving platter. You can garnish them with additional chopped green onions or a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning for a pop of color and flavor.
2. For dipping, I love to serve these with a side of cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or even a spicy aioli. The creamy and tangy dips complement the crunchy texture of the crab crunchies perfectly!
3. Enjoy your crab crunchies warm, and watch them disappear in no time! They make for a fantastic appetizer at parties or a delightful snack for movie nights.

And there you have it! A delicious, crunchy snack that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you choose to fry or bake them, these crab crunchies are a delightful treat that’s packed with flavor. Happy snacking!

Conclusion:

In summary, the Crab Crunchies Snack is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their snacking game. With its delightful combination of crispy textures and savory crab flavor, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends at any gathering. Whether you serve them as an appetizer at a party, a fun snack during movie night, or even as a unique addition to a picnic spread, these crunchy bites are versatile enough to fit any occasion. Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions! Pair them with a zesty dipping sauce, like a spicy aioli or a tangy cocktail sauce, to enhance the flavor even further. You can also experiment with variations by adding different spices or herbs to the mix, or even incorporating other seafood for a twist on the classic recipe. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this Crab Crunchies Snack a try and share your experience with me. I would love to hear how they turned out for you and any unique twists you added to the recipe. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get crunching! Trust me, once you taste these delicious bites, you’ll be hooked and ready to make them again and again. Happy snacking! Print

June 16, 2025 by Melissa