Description
These Crab Crunchies are a delicious combination of creamy crab meat and cheddar cheese, coated in a crispy blend of crushed crackers and panko breadcrumbs. Ideal for appetizers or snacks, they can be fried for a golden crunch or baked for a healthier option. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the crab meat, ensuring not to break it up too much.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay seasoning, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Fold in the chopped green onions.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed crackers and panko breadcrumbs. Mix until well combined.
- Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form about a tablespoon of the crab mixture into small balls or patties.
- Roll each ball in the cracker and panko mixture until fully coated.
- Place the coated crab crunchies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each.
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Carefully add a few crab crunchies to the hot oil, frying for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the crab crunchies for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the cooked crab crunchies to a serving platter. Garnish with additional chopped green onions or a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning.
- Serve with cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or spicy aioli for dipping.
- Enjoy warm as a fantastic appetizer or snack!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the crab mixture.
- These can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes