Crabbies Recipe

Crab meat: The star of the dish, providing a sweet and delicate seafood flavor.

Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.

Shredded cheese: Melts into the mixture, adding a rich, savory taste.

Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor with a subtle garlic kick.

Old Bay seasoning: A classic seafood seasoning that brings a unique blend of spices.

French bread: Serves as the base, providing a crunchy texture to complement the creamy topping.

When preparing the crab meat mixture, ensure that the crab meat is well-drained to avoid excess moisture, which can make the bread soggy. Gently fold the ingredients together to maintain the delicate texture of the crab meat. For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the french bread slices before spreading the mixture. This will add a delightful crunch and prevent the bread from becoming too soft during baking.

• crab meat - Substitute with imitation crab: Imitation crab is a budget-friendly alternative that mimics the texture and flavor of real crab meat.

• crab meat - Substitute with shrimp: Chopped shrimp can provide a similar seafood flavor and texture.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a tangy flavor and creamy texture while being lower in fat.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream can provide a similar creamy consistency with a slightly tangy taste.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: Vegan cheese can be used for a dairy-free option while still providing a cheesy flavor.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and is a good option for those avoiding dairy.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can provide a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can add a similar depth of flavor if garlic is not available.

• old bay seasoning - Substitute with cajun seasoning: Cajun seasoning can provide a similar blend of spices with a bit more heat.

• old bay seasoning - Substitute with celery salt: Celery salt can mimic the savory and slightly salty flavor profile of Old Bay seasoning.

• sliced french bread - Substitute with baguette: A baguette offers a similar texture and flavor, perfect for toasting.

• sliced french bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough bread provides a tangy flavor and sturdy texture that works well for this recipe.

• Allow the crabbies to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Place the cooled crabbies in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.
• To freeze, wrap each crabbie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures they maintain their shape and prevents freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped crabbies in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, consume within this period to enjoy optimal flavor and texture.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the crabbies in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the integrity of the crab meat and bread.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread chewy and the crab meat rubbery.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover crabbies on a baking sheet. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until they are heated through and the cheese is bubbly again.
• If you prefer a quicker method, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and toast the crabbies for about 5-7 minutes until they are warm and crispy.
• For a microwave option, place the crabbies on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated.
• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the crabbies in the basket and air fry for about 3-5 minutes until they are hot and the bread is crispy.
• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the crabbies in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Oven: Used to bake the bread slices with the crab mixture until they are golden brown.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, shredded cheese, garlic powder, and old bay seasoning.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the slices of French bread topped with the crab mixture for baking.

• Spatula: Used to spread the crab mixture evenly onto the sliced French bread.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the crab meat, mayonnaise, and shredded cheese accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the garlic powder and old bay seasoning accurately.

• Knife: Used to slice the French bread if it is not pre-sliced.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to slice the French bread if needed.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix crab meat, mayonnaise, shredded cheese, garlic powder, and old bay seasoning ahead of time.

Use pre-sliced bread: Save time by buying sliced french bread instead of slicing it yourself.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven while you prepare the crab mixture to ensure it’s ready when you are.

Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of the crab mixture and freeze portions for future use.

Use a food processor: Quickly mix the ingredients using a food processor for a smoother consistency.