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–+ servings
Cheesy Crabmeat Canapés 1

Cheesy Crabmeat Canapés

These elegant Cheesy Crabmeat Canapés combine the delicate sweetness of crab with rich, melted cheese on crisp toast points for a show-stopping appetizer that requires minimal effort yet guarantees maximum impact. Perfect for Christmas gatherings or any special occasion!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American, Seafood
Servings 24 canapés
Calories 135 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

Canapé Base

  • 1 French baguette sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted

Crab Filling

  • 8 oz lump crabmeat drained and picked over for shells
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 tablespoons green onions finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Garnish

  • fresh parsley or dill for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Lightly brush each slice with melted butter.
  • Toast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes until just golden around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
  • In a medium bowl, gently combine the crabmeat, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, and green onions. Fold rather than stir vigorously to preserve the crab lumps.
  • Add the lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder, mixing just until incorporated. Let this mixture rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  • Spoon approximately 1-2 teaspoons of the crab mixture onto each toasted baguette slice.
  • Arrange the assembled canapés back on the baking sheet, ensuring they're not overcrowded (leave about 1/2 inch between each).
  • Return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and edges begin to turn golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley or small sprigs of dill.
  • Arrange on a serving platter and serve while still warm.

Notes

For a lighter version, replace half the cream cheese with pureed white beans, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, or use whole grain baguette slices.
The crab mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
For gluten-free guests, use gluten-free crackers or endive leaves as the base instead of baguette slices.

Nutrition

Calories: 135kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 7gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 280mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 1g
Keyword Crab Appetizer, Holiday Appetizer, Seafood Canapés, Christmas Appetizer
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