Savory Crab Bombs: Easy, Crispy Bites for Seafood Lovers Recipe

Introduction

These Savory Crab Bombs are crispy, flavorful bites perfect for seafood lovers looking for an easy appetizer or snack. They combine fresh lump crab meat with aromatic spices and a crunchy breadcrumb coating, baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Fresh Lump Crab Meat (Use the highest quality available; frozen can be used but must be thawed and drained well.)
• 1 cup Mayonnaise (Consider using low-fat for a lighter version.)
• 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Can substitute with regular breadcrumbs if necessary.)
• 1/4 cup Green Onions (Chives can be used for a similar taste.)
• 1 large Egg (Flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce can be used as a vegetarian substitute.)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard (Yellow mustard can be used for a milder taste.)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce (Soy sauce can work as a substitute if required.)
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning (A mixture of paprika, celery seed, garlic powder, and cayenne can be used as a replacement.)
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Fresh lime juice is a good alternative.)
• Salt and Pepper to taste (Adjust to taste based on ingredient quality.)
• 2 tablespoons Melted Butter (Olive oil can be used as a healthier option.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Check the crab meat carefully for any shells and place it into a large mixing bowl.
2. Step 2: Add mayonnaise, panko breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix gently to combine, taking care not to break up the crab meat too much.
3. Step 3: Portion the mixture into 12-15 balls about 2 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs a little at a time until it holds its shape.
4. Step 4: Refrigerate the shaped crab bombs for 30 minutes to help them firm up.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Step 6: Arrange the crab bombs on the baking sheet spaced apart. Drizzle or brush them with melted butter.
7. Step 7: Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Step 8: Let the crab bombs cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra green onions and serve with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, replace the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water or unsweetened applesauce as a binder.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture.
• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.
• Try baking smaller bites to serve as party appetizers — just reduce baking time accordingly and check doneness carefully.
• Substitute olive oil for butter to make the recipe lighter while still ensuring crispness.

Storage

Store any leftover crab bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to retain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned crab meat for this recipe?

While fresh lump crab meat is best for texture and flavor, you can use canned crab meat as a substitute. Be sure to drain it thoroughly and check for any shell fragments before mixing.

Can I prepare these crab bombs ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape the crab bombs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Keep them covered to prevent drying out. Baking time remains the same when cooking straight from chilled.

Savory Crab Bombs: Easy, Crispy Bites for Seafood Lovers Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 53 reviews

Savory Crab Bombs are easy-to-make, crispy seafood bites packed with fresh lump crab meat and seasoned with classic Old Bay and Dijon mustard. These delicious appetizer-sized treats are baked until golden brown, making them perfect for parties or a flavorful snack for seafood lovers.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
• Yield: 12–15 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crab Bomb Mixture

• 1 pound Fresh Lump Crab Meat (Use the highest quality available; frozen can be used but must be thawed and drained well.)
• 1 cup Mayonnaise (Consider using low-fat for a lighter version.)
• 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Can substitute with regular breadcrumbs if necessary.)
• 1/4 cup Green Onions (Chives can be used for a similar taste.)
• 1 large Egg (Flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce can be used as a vegetarian substitute.)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard (Yellow mustard can be used for a milder taste.)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce (Soy sauce can work as a substitute if required.)
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning (A mixture of paprika, celery seed, garlic powder, and cayenne can be used as a replacement.)
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Fresh lime juice is a good alternative.)
• Salt and Pepper to taste (Adjust to taste based on ingredient quality.)

For Baking

• 2 tablespoons Melted Butter (Olive oil can be used as a healthier option.)

Instructions

1. Prepare Crab Mixture: Check the crab meat carefully for any shells. In a mixing bowl, combine the crab meat with mayonnaise, panko breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to preserve the texture of the crab meat.
2. Form the Crab Bombs: Portion out 12-15 balls, each about 2 inches in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If the mixture is too wet to hold shape, gradually add extra breadcrumbs until it binds well.
3. Chill the Bombs: Refrigerate the shaped crab bombs for 30 minutes to firm them up before baking.
4. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure proper baking temperature.
5. Bake the Crab Bombs: Arrange the crab bombs spaced apart on the baking sheet. Drizzle or brush them lightly with melted butter for a crispy finish. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
6. Serve: Allow the crab bombs to cool for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with extra chopped green onions and serve with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful appetizer.

Notes

• If using frozen crab meat, ensure it is fully thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
• For a vegetarian substitute, replace the egg with flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce.
• You can substitute Old Bay seasoning with a homemade blend of paprika, celery seed, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
• Adjust salt and pepper according to taste and the saltiness of other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce.
• Using melted butter while baking gives a richer flavor, but olive oil can be used for a healthier twist.
• Ensure crab bombs are spaced well on the baking sheet to allow air circulation for even cooking.
• These crab bombs can be served as appetizers, party snacks, or a light main course paired with a crisp salad.

Keywords: crab bombs, crab bites, seafood appetizer, Old Bay seasoning recipe, baked crab balls, easy crab recipe, crispy crab bites, party appetizer