Irresistible Baked Crab Bombs: Easy Seafood Appetizer Recipe

If you're looking for a crowd-pleasing dish, these Irresistible Baked Crab Bombs are just the ticket! I remember the first time my son, Jake, tried crab. He was skeptical at first but ended up devouring every last bite. Now, these crab bombs are a family favorite, and I bet they'll be a hit at your next gathering too.

Why Youโ€™ll Love It

  • They're easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
  • You can customize them with your favorite spices.
  • They're packed with delicious crab flavor that everyone loves.

Pure Comfort

These crab bombs are not just tasty; they're pure comfort food. Each bite is like a warm hug, making them perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings. Plus, they pair wonderfully with a chilled drink.

What You Need

  • 1 8 oz lump crab meat – fresh or canned, drained and picked over for shells
  • 4 oz 1/2 cup cream cheese – softened; can substitute with Neufchรขtel cheese for a lighter option
  • 2 oz 1/4 cup mayonnaise – adds creaminess; Greek yogurt can be used for a healthier twist
  • 1 oz 1/4 cup breadcrumbs – for texture; panko breadcrumbs work great
  • 2 1/4 cup green onions – finely chopped; adds freshness
  • 1 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce – for depth of flavor
  • 1 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning – classic crab seasoning; can substitute with Cajun seasoning
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder – for a hint of garlic flavor
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt – to taste
  • 1 1/4 tsp black pepper – to taste
  • 1 1 tbsp lemon juice – freshly squeezed for brightness
  • 2 oz 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for topping; can use mozzarella for a milder flavor

Time to Cook

Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Total: 45 minutes | Difficulty: easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 ยฐF. This will get it nice and hot for baking your crab bombs to perfection. The aroma of baking seafood will fill your kitchen soon!
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to break up the crab too much.
  3. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the crab mixture and form it into a ball. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. They should look like little crabby treasures waiting to be baked.
  4. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of each crab bomb. This will melt beautifully, adding a golden, cheesy layer thatโ€™s hard to resist.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Youโ€™ll know theyโ€™re done when theyโ€™re lightly golden and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
  6. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Theyโ€™ll be hot, so give them a moment to settle before serving. The aroma will have everyone gathering around!

Make It Perfect

  • For extra flavor, try adding a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
  • Serve with a side of cocktail sauce or tartar sauce for dipping.
  • If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven for the best texture.

Mix It Up

  • Add diced bell peppers for a colorful twist.
  • Substitute crab with shrimp or lobster for a different seafood experience.

Perfect Partners

  • These crab bombs pair beautifully with a crisp salad or a side of garlic bread. A chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea complements them perfectly.

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FAQs

Can I make these crab bombs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the crab bombs?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

What can I use instead of crab meat?

You can use shrimp or even canned tuna if crab isn’t available.

How do I know when the crab bombs are done?

They should be golden brown on top and the cheese should be bubbly. A food thermometer should read 165 ยฐF internally.

Conclusion

These Irresistible Baked Crab Bombs are sure to impress at your next gathering. With their creamy filling and cheesy top, they embody everything we love about seafood appetizers. Give this crab meat recipe a try, and watch your family and friends come back for seconds!

baked crab bombs with melted cheddar cheese topping

Irresistible Baked Crab Bombs Easy Seafood Appetizer Recipe

These baked crab bombs feature a creamy crab filling topped with melted cheddar cheese, making for a comforting and flavorful seafood appetizer perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • medium bowl

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 8 oz lump crab meat fresh or canned, drained and picked over for shells
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened; can substitute with Neufchรขtel cheese for a lighter option
  • 2 oz mayonnaise adds creaminess; Greek yogurt can be used for a healthier twist
  • 1 oz breadcrumbs for texture; panko breadcrumbs work great
  • 2 oz green onions finely chopped; adds freshness
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning classic crab seasoning; can substitute with Cajun seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder for a hint of garlic flavor
  • 0.5 tsp salt to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed for brightness
  • 2 oz shredded cheddar cheese for topping; can use mozzarella for a milder flavor

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF.
  • In a medium bowl, combine crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix gently until just combined.
  • Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the crab mixture and form it into a ball. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each crab bomb.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until lightly golden and cheese is bubbly.
  • Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Keyword Appetizer, baked, cheese, Crab, easy, Seafood