Garlic Butter Crab Toasts Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Crab Toasts are a delightful appetizer combining fresh crab meat with rich garlic butter on crispy baguette slices. This elegant yet easy-to-make dish is perfect for entertaining or a special treat at home.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh crab meat (preferably from Dungeness or blue crabs)
• 1 loaf French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch slices
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: If using fresh crabs, steam them for about 10 minutes until bright red. Let cool and carefully extract the meat, ensuring no shell fragments remain.
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, gently combine the crab meat, garlic butter, lemon juice, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper. Mix carefully to keep the crab meat intact while blending flavors.
4. Step 4: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
5. Step 5: Toast the baguette slices in the oven for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and crispy at the edges.
6. Step 6: Remove the toasted bread from the oven. Spoon a generous amount of the crab mixture onto each slice.
7. Step 7: If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the crab mixture for added flavor.
8. Step 8: Return the assembled toasts to the oven for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly melt the cheese.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with paprika for color, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use cooked crab meat from the store for convenience, but fresh steamed crab offers the best flavor.
• Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the crab mixture for a subtle heat.
• Swap parsley and chives with fresh dill or tarragon for a different herbaceous note.
• For a richer toast, drizzle a little extra melted butter over the assembled toasts before the final bake.

Storage

Store any leftover crab toasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven to maintain crispiness—avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned crab meat for this recipe?

Yes, canned crab meat is a good alternative if fresh crab is not available. Drain it well and handle gently to avoid breaking the meat.

Can these toasts be prepared ahead of time?

You can prepare the crab mixture in advance and store it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Toast and assemble just before serving to keep the bread crisp.

Garlic Butter Crab Toasts Recipe

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4.7 from 104 reviews

Garlic Butter Crab Toasts feature fresh, tender crab meat blended with fragrant garlic butter, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon, all served atop crispy toasted baguette slices. This elegant appetizer or snack combines rich flavors and a satisfying crunch for a delightful bite that’s perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 to 16 toasts 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crab Mixture

• 1 pound fresh crab meat (preferably Dungeness or blue crabs)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Bread and Toppings

• 1 loaf French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch slices
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Crab Meat: If you have fresh crabs, steam them for about 10 minutes until the shells turn bright red. Let the crabs cool before carefully extracting the meat, being sure to remove any shell fragments to keep the mixture smooth and enjoyable.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to let the garlic burn, which can impart a bitter taste.
3. Mix the Crab Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh crab meat with the melted garlic butter, lemon juice, chopped parsley, chives, salt, and pepper. Gently fold the ingredients to maintain the delicate texture of the crab while allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for toasting the baguette and baking the assembled toasts.
5. Prepare and Toast the Baguette: Arrange the sliced baguette pieces on a baking sheet. Brush each side lightly with olive oil for a crispy, flavorful toast. Place in the preheated oven and toast for 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp at the edges.
6. Assemble the Toasts: Remove the toasted baguette slices from the oven. Spoon a generous amount of the crab mixture onto each slice, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
7. Add Cheese (Optional): If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the crab topping for an extra layer of savory richness.
8. Final Bake: Return the assembled toasts to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This step warms the crab mixture through and gently melts the Parmesan cheese if used.
9. Garnish and Serve: After baking, remove the toasts from the oven and sprinkle them lightly with paprika to add a pop of color and a subtle smoky flavor. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the perfect combination of crispy bread and flavorful crab topping.

Notes

• Use fresh crab meat for the best flavor and texture; canned crab meat can be substituted in a pinch but may alter taste and moisture.
• Be cautious when sautéing garlic to avoid burning, which can turn the flavor bitter.
• For a spicier variation, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the crab mixture.
• The Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a delicious umami note; feel free to omit for a dairy-free version.
• These toasts are best served immediately to retain their crispiness.

Keywords: crab toast, garlic butter crab, seafood appetizer, toasted baguette, crab meat recipe, easy appetizers