Quick and Easy Maryland Crab Melt

Craving something cheesy, savory, and packed with fresh seafood flavor? This Quick and Easy Maryland Crab Melt is exactly what you need! Sweet lump crab meat is mixed with a creamy, flavorful dressing, then piled onto toasted bread and smothered with gooey melted cheese. It’s a satisfying, coastal-inspired meal that’s perfect for a speedy lunch, light dinner, or impressive appetizer.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast and Flavorful – Ready in just 20 minutes.
Fresh and Cheesy – Sweet crab meat topped with melty cheese.
Simple Ingredients – Easy-to-find items come together beautifully.
Versatile – Serve as an appetizer, lunch, or light dinner.
Coastal Classic – Brings a taste of Maryland’s seafood tradition to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crab Mixture:

• 8 oz lump crab meat, picked over for shells
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp green onions, finely chopped
• ¼ cup celery, finely diced (optional for crunch)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 4 slices hearty bread (sourdough or English muffins work great)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Swiss for a milder flavor)
• 1 tbsp butter (for toasting bread)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Old Bay seasoning
• Lemon wedges

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet
• Broiler

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crab Mixture
In a mixing bowl, gently combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, green onions, and celery if using.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Be gentle to keep the crab lumps intact for the best texture.

Step 2: Toast the Bread
Preheat your broiler to high.
Butter one side of each bread slice lightly and toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until just golden.

Step 3: Assemble the Crab Melts
Remove the toasted bread from the oven.
Spoon the crab mixture evenly over each slice.
Top generously with shredded cheese.

Step 4: Broil the Crab Melts
Return the assembled crab melts to the oven.
Broil for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Watch closely to prevent burning!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a pinch of Old Bay if desired.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips for Perfect Maryland Crab Melt
Use Good Crab Meat – Fresh lump crab meat delivers the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overmix – Gently fold ingredients to keep the crab light and tender.
Keep an Eye on the Broiler – Cheese melts fast under high heat.
Toast the Bread First – Prevents sogginess and adds a nice crunch.
Customize the Cheese – Try mozzarella, Swiss, or even pepper jack for different flavor twists.

Serving Suggestions
Light Salad – A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly.
Chips or Fries – For a casual, satisfying lunch or dinner.
Fresh Fruit – Adds a sweet contrast to the rich crab and cheese.
Cup of Soup – Tomato or seafood bisque makes a comforting companion.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Store leftover crab mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Assemble and broil fresh for the best texture.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat the assembled melt at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Broiler: Re-broil briefly to re-melt the cheese if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned crab meat?
   Yes, but drain it well and pick through for any shells. Fresh or refrigerated crab meat is best for flavor.
2. What bread is best?
   Sturdy breads like sourdough, ciabatta, or English muffins hold up best under the toppings.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   You can prepare the crab mixture a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Assemble and broil just before serving.
4. How spicy is this recipe?
   It’s mild with a subtle Old Bay kick. Add extra seasoning or a dash of hot sauce if you want more heat.
5. Can I add extra toppings?
   Of course! Thinly sliced tomatoes or a few spinach leaves under the cheese would be delicious.

Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Maryland Crab Melt is a seafood lover’s dream — cheesy, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavor. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a little taste of the coast in a simple, satisfying dish that’s ready in minutes.

Try it out and let us know how you enjoyed it! Don’t forget to leave a comment and tag your delicious creations on Pinterest or Instagram.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American (Maryland Coastal Style)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, serves 4):
Calories: 340 | Protein: 20g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 660mg

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