{"id":280676,"date":"2018-01-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-09-22T00:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/origin-www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/crab-melts\/"},"modified":"2024-10-22T13:02:05","modified_gmt":"2024-10-22T18:02:05","slug":"crab-melts","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/crab-melts\/","title":{"rendered":"Crab Melt"},"content":{"rendered":"
Some days you want to get your hands messy eating whole crab in the style of a seafood boil<\/a>, but other days, it’s a treat to eat already shucked crab in a simple, satisfying sandwich. Crab melts are a lunchtime favorite of ours on day trips to the Oregon coast. There’s just something about enjoying fresh seafood next to a roadside stand covered in buoys, no matter if the weather is sunny or a little foggy. Making them at home, however, is even better. This recipe follows a similar structure as the classic tuna melt, but with sweet flaky crab standing in for the brinier tuna, with the same melting cheese on top.<\/p>\n In Oregon, we make crab melts using local Dungeness crab, but you can use blue crab or any other type available to you. A few light aromatics and a little mayo complement the delicate flavor of the crab, all cradled by a soft English muffin. They’re a great way to use up a small can of shucked crab, and an easy answer for what to do with leftover cooked crab<\/a>.<\/p>\n In a small bowl, combine the crab, mayonnaise, celery and onion.<\/p>\n Place the muffins on an ungreased baking sheet and broil them 4 to 6 inches from the heat, until toasted.<\/p>\n Spread each muffin with half the crab mixture, top it with the tomato and cheeses, then sprinkle with paprika. Broil the sandwiches until the cheese is bubbly.<\/p>\n Crab melt sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, it’s important to store them properly. Fully cooled crab melts can be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to two days. Rewarm them in a low oven, just until heated through.<\/p>\n You can absolutely make the components for crab melts ahead of time. Broil the English muffins, prep the tomato and cheese toppings and make up the crab mixture and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve them, all you have to do is the final assembly, then send them under the broiler for a moment to melt the cheese.<\/p>\n Yes, you can definitely use imitation crab here. It’s a great way to save money without sacrificing too much flavor. The texture and flavor might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. What is imitation crab<\/a>? Just as the name indicates, imitation crab isn\u2019t crab at all, but instead a puree of fish processed to have a flaky texture, similar to crabmeat. It\u2019s usually whitefish with a mild flavor such as pollack, whiting or haddock, or a blend. The other ingredients may include crab extract, natural coloring and a binder like egg white.<\/p>\n The ideal bread for a crab melt or a tuna melt has a mild flavor, so as not to compete with the flavor of the seafood, and a texture that’s relatively soft but sturdy enough that it won’t fall apart from a little moisture from the crab mixture. In place of the English muffins, you can use sliced white sandwich bread or brioche. A split croissant would be exceptionally rich and delicious.<\/p>\n Personally, I think it’s hard to beat the combination of fish and chips, and a crab melt sandwich is a great one to serve with french fries<\/a>. You can make your own or throw some frozen fries in the air fryer. If you want the full seafood shack experience, have your fish and chips with a cold beer or a refreshing lemon iced tea<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" These special open-faced sandwiches from Donna Bennett of Washougal, Washington have wonderful crab and cheese flavor. “This recipe closely resembles a dish my husband and I enjoyed at a favorite restaurant several years ago,” Donna writes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7061,"featured_media":2110817,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[304172,304333,304328,307050,305487,304338,307049,303887,306848,304297,304268,304350,324623,306640,304150,303883],"categories-v2":[309451,308991,308984,310090,310796,308992,310085,308478,309603,308308,259483,309001,309177,312615,309434,308476],"coauthors":[343474],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Baked Crab 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Cakes","post_link":"\/recipes\/crab-cakes\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps19824_LT10290D43.jpg"},{"post_title":"Warm Crab Dip","post_link":"\/recipes\/warm-crab-dip\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps34131_C961232D49D.jpg"},{"post_title":"Crab Appetizer Mold","post_link":"\/recipes\/crab-appetizer-mold\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/recipeFallback.jpg"},{"post_title":"Crab Toast","post_link":"\/recipes\/crab-toast\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps45427_TH1443685D43B.jpg"},{"post_title":"Crab Melt 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bowl, combine the crab, mayonnaise, celery and onion.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/CrabMelt_TOHD24_RMS35243_EmilyDavis_001_SOCIAL.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Prep the English muffins","text":"Place the muffins on an ungreased baking sheet and broil them 4 to 6 inches from the heat, until toasted.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/CrabMelt_TOHD24_RMS35243_EmilyDavis_002_SOCIAL.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Assemble the sandwiches and broil","text":"Spread each muffin with half the crab mixture, top it with the tomato and cheeses, then sprinkle with paprika. Broil the sandwiches until the cheese is bubbly.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/CrabMelt_TOHD24_RMS35243_EmilyDavis_004_SOCIAL.jpg?fit=700,1024"}],"recipeYield":"2 servings","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Emily Teel"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":"","fatContent":"","cholesterolContent":"","sodiumContent":"","carbohydrateContent":"","fiberContent":"","proteinContent":""},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4.8333335,"reviewCount":6,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2012-12-05","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"GoldFlower"},"reviewBody":"This \"Crab Melts\" recipe is a very good recipe to entertain just the two of you for lunch, brunch, or a quick snack! There are fabulous variations open for your adding to the sandwiches! YUM!!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2016-09-06","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"GreenBowtie"},"reviewBody":"We were given a bunch of steamed crabs so I went searching for a recipe. This was a great find! I had a lot of crab meat so I just increased the other ingredients; it turned out very well. I will definitely make this again. Just watch out for the broiler; it doesn't take long.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2013-02-08","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"CyanBlowdryer"},"reviewBody":"This is a favorite dinner entree of ours being crab lovers. I've even doubled the amount of crab desiring more filling. Just watch that it doesn't \"burn\" when placing in the broiler.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2013-07-20","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"OliveMustache"},"reviewBody":"These were excellent...I added a little bit of garlic powder, kosher salt and pepper to the mix...Yum!!!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2012-05-19","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"GoldFries"},"reviewBody":"We got impatient and ate it too soon, but it was great other than that!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2013-09-09","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"OrangeBowtie"},"reviewBody":"Very good and easy.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"35243","romance_copy_dek":"These special open-faced sandwiches from Donna Bennett of Washougal, Washington have wonderful crab and cheese flavor. \"This recipe closely resembles a dish my husband and I enjoyed at a favorite restaurant several years ago,\" Donna writes.","enhanced_recipe_title":"Crab Melt","rms_legacy_data":{"RecipeCategories":null,"Ingredients":[{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 can (6 ounces) crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed","IngredientText":"1 can (6 ounces) crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"3 tablespoons mayonnaise","IngredientText":"3 tablespoons mayonnaise"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"5 teaspoons minced celery","IngredientText":"5 teaspoons minced celery"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 tablespoon minced green onion","IngredientText":"1 tablespoon minced green onion"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 English muffins, split","IngredientText":"2 English muffins, split"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"4 slices tomato","IngredientText":"4 slices tomato"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"4 slices cheddar cheese (1\/2 ounce each)","IngredientText":"4 slices cheddar cheese (1\/2 ounce each)"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"4 slices Monterey Jack cheese (1\/2 ounce each)","IngredientText":"4 slices Monterey Jack cheese (1\/2 ounce each)"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"Paprika","IngredientText":"Paprika"}],"FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Crab-Melt_EXPS_TOHD24_35243_EmilyDavis_010.jpg","RecipeId":35243,"AttachmentSourceId":null,"AttachmentSource":"Emily Davis for Taste Recipes","PhotoCredit":"Crab Melt Recipe photo by Emily Davis for Taste Recipes","VideoCode":null,"RecipeAttachmentFileName":"Crab-Melt_EXPS_TOHD24_35243_EmilyDavis_010.jpg","ContributorId":null,"Firstname":"Donna","Lastname":"Bennett","City":"Bramalea","StateDescription":"Ontario","IsCommunityCook":false,"TimeCallout":"Prep\/Total Time: 15 min.","MinimumServingQuantity":2,"MaximumServingQuantity":2,"Yield":"2 servings.","DigitalTitle":"Crab Melt","SubmittedTitle":"Cheesy Crab Melt","RecipeTypeId":1,"AverageRating":4.83,"WebPublishedDate":"1\/1\/2018 12:00:00 AM","ContestPlacementId":null,"FbImage":"FB_TOHD24_35243_EmilyDavis_007.jpg","PreparationTimeInMinutes":5,"CookTimeInMinutes":10,"TotalTimeInMinutes":15,"ServingDescription":null,"IsTestKitchenCertified":true,"IsContestWinner":false,"IsCommunityRecipe":false,"PublishedProjectTitle":"Crab Melts","OriginalSourceProject":"Crab Melts","ContestPlacement":"","Trailer":null,"Metadescription":null,"DigitalHeadnotes":"These special open-faced sandwiches from Donna Bennett of Washougal, Washington have wonderful crab and cheese flavor. \"This recipe closely resembles a dish my husband and I enjoyed at a favorite restaurant several years ago,\" Donna writes.","FreezerDirections":"","FreezerDirectionsTitle":"","HTMLTitle":null,"RecipeVersionNumber":null,"WorkflowStatusId":9,"Directions":[{"Direction":"In a small bowl, combine the crab, mayonnaise, celery and onion. 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EMILY DAVIS for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
\n
Directions<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Make the crab salad<\/h3>\n
EMILY DAVIS for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 2: Prep the English muffins<\/h3>\n
EMILY DAVIS for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 3: Assemble the sandwiches and broil<\/h3>\n
EMILY DAVIS for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Crab Melt Variations<\/h2>\n
EMILY DAVIS for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
\n
How to Store Crab Melts<\/h2>\n
Can you make a crab melt sandwich ahead of time?<\/h3>\n
Crab Melt Tips<\/h2>\n
EMILY DAVIS for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Can I use imitation crab for this recipe?<\/h3>\n
What is the best bread to use for crab melts?<\/h3>\n
What are some good side dishes for crab melts?<\/h3>\n