Quick and Easy Maryland Crab Melt

If you’re craving something cheesy, savory, and bursting with seafood flavor, this Quick and Easy Maryland Crab Melt is the answer. Packed with sweet lump crab meat, creamy mayo, zesty Old Bay seasoning, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a coastal classic that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Served hot and bubbly on toasted bread, this simple open-faced sandwich delivers big flavors in just minutes.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick to Make – Ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish
Rich and Flavorful – Creamy crab mixture meets melted cheese and crispy bread
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for weeknight dinners, parties, or game days
One-Bowl Recipe – Easy cleanup and minimal prep
Customizable – Swap the cheese or bread to fit your taste

Ingredients You’ll Need
1 cup lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
1 green onion, finely chopped
¼ cup celery, finely chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
4 slices of bread (English muffins, sourdough, or sandwich rolls work great)
2 tbsp butter (for toasting bread)
Optional garnish: fresh parsley or paprika

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
Spoon or spatula
Baking sheet
Oven or toaster oven
Broiler

Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, green onion, celery, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
2. Gently fold everything together until well combined—be careful not to break up the crab too much

Step 2: Toast the Bread
3. Preheat your broiler to high
4. Lightly butter one side of each bread slice and place on a baking sheet, buttered side up
5. Broil for 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp—watch closely to avoid burning

Step 3: Assemble the Crab Melts
6. Remove the toasted bread from the oven
7. Spoon the crab mixture evenly onto each slice
8. Top with shredded cheddar cheese

Step 4: Broil Until Bubbly
9. Return the tray to the broiler and cook for 2–4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden brown top
10. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley or a dash of paprika if desired

Step 5: Serve Hot
11. Serve the crab melts immediately while they’re hot and cheesy
12. Enjoy with chips, a side salad, or a cup of soup

Tips for the Best Crab Melt
Use Good Quality Crab Meat – Lump crab adds the best texture and flavor
Don’t Overmix – Gently fold the ingredients to keep the crab intact
Customize Your Cheese – Try Swiss, mozzarella, or provolone for a different twist
Crisp the Bread First – Toasting prevents the melts from becoming soggy
Broil Carefully – Keep a close eye to avoid burning the cheese or bread

Serving Suggestions
Side Salad – A crisp Caesar or garden salad pairs perfectly
Coleslaw – Adds a crunchy, tangy contrast to the warm, creamy crab
Tomato Soup – For the ultimate comfort food pairing
Sweet Potato Fries – Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors

How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
Refrigerate any leftover crab mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Store toasted bread separately to keep it from getting soggy

Reheating:
Assemble and broil just before serving for best results
To reheat an assembled crab melt, place in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a few minutes until hot and bubbly

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned crab meat?
   Yes, just make sure to drain it well and pick out any shell pieces
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
   You can prepare the crab mixture ahead and refrigerate it, then assemble and broil just before serving
3. Can I use a different type of bread?
   Absolutely—bagels, English muffins, or hearty sourdough all work well
4. What cheese works best?
   Sharp cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack are great too
5. Are these freezer-friendly?
   The assembled melts don’t freeze well, but the crab mixture can be frozen for up to 1 month

Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Maryland Crab Melt brings all the comfort and flavor of the coast right into your kitchen. With creamy crab, melted cheese, and perfectly toasted bread, it’s a dish that feels special without being complicated. Great for busy nights, casual lunches, or as a party appetizer, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Give it a try and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag your crab melt masterpieces online—I’d love to see them.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 620mg

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