Famous Crab Bombs Classic Recipe
Introduction
Famous Crab Bombs Classic is a delightful seafood appetizer that highlights the sweet, tender flavor of jumbo lump crab meat. This easy-to-make dish combines creamy, tangy ingredients with a buttery crust, perfect for entertaining or a special treat.
Ingredients
- 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat, fresh or pasteurized
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons crushed buttery crackers
- Melted butter for brushing
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully heat.
- Step 2: Inspect the crab meat carefully, removing any shells while keeping the delicate lumps intact.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and chopped parsley until well combined.
- Step 4: Add the lump crab meat and crushed crackers to the bowl, folding gently until the mixture just comes together. Avoid overmixing to preserve the crab’s texture.
- Step 5: Shape the mixture into 4 to 6 even mounds and arrange them on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet.
- Step 6: Brush each crab mound generously with melted butter.
- Step 7: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and heated through.
- Step 8: Serve immediately with lemon wedges and additional Old Bay seasoning if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, mix a little finely minced garlic or shallots into the mixture before baking.
- Use gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free version.
- Serve with a spicy aioli or remoulade sauce for dipping.
- Make smaller, bite-sized crab bombs for easy finger food at parties.
Storage
Store any leftover crab bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to maintain their texture. They are best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor and crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat instead of fresh?
Yes, pasteurized canned crab meat can be used, but fresh jumbo lump crab meat offers a superior texture and flavor.
Can I prepare the crab mixture ahead of time?
You can prepare the crab mixture a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated, but shape and bake the bombs just before serving to preserve their texture and freshness.
PrintFamous Crab Bombs Classic Recipe
Famous Crab Bombs Classic is a delicious seafood appetizer featuring jumbo lump crab meat combined with creamy mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay seasoning. These crab mounds are baked until golden and served with lemon wedges, making them a perfect savory treat for gatherings or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 Crab Bombs 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat, fresh or pasteurized
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons crushed buttery crackers
- Melted butter for brushing
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully heat to ensure even baking of the crab bombs.
- Prepare Crab Meat: Carefully inspect the crab meat, removing any shells while keeping the delicate lumps intact for the best texture.
- Make the Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and chopped parsley until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in the lump crab meat and crushed buttery crackers into the bowl, mixing just until combined to preserve the crab’s texture.
- Form and Arrange: Shape this mixture into 4 to 6 even mounds and place them on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush each crab mound generously with melted butter, then bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the crab bombs immediately with lemon wedges and optionally additional Old Bay seasoning for added flavor.
Notes
- Remove all shell fragments carefully to avoid unpleasant crunch.
- Do not overmix the crab mixture to keep the lumps intact and maintain texture.
- Using crushed buttery crackers adds flavor and helps bind the mixture.
- Brushing with melted butter ensures a crispy golden crust.
- Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Keywords: Crab appetizers, Crab bombs recipe, Seafood appetizer, Baked crab recipe, Old Bay crab bombs
