Description
Irresistible Crab Crunchies are a delightful seafood appetizer featuring lump crab meat blended with creamy cheese and seasonings, baked to crisp perfection in wonton cups. Perfect for parties and gatherings, these savory bites combine a crunchy exterior with a rich, flavorful filling for a truly satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crab Filling
- 8 ounces lump crab meat, drained and picked over
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Wonton Cups
- 24 wonton wrappers
- Cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare muffin tin: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Form wonton cups: Press one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, shaping it into a small cup that will hold the filling. Ensure edges are properly fitted to maintain shape during baking.
- Bake wonton shells: Bake the shaped wonton wrappers for 6 to 8 minutes until they are lightly golden and crisp, which will provide a crunchy base for the filling.
- Prepare crab filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Fold in crab meat: Gently fold the drained lump crab meat into the cheese mixture to avoid breaking up the crab too much, maintaining its texture.
- Fill wonton cups: Spoon the crab mixture evenly into the baked wonton cups, filling each one generously.
- Bake filled cups: Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes until the filling is heated through and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the crab crunchies from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor in your crab crunchies.
- These can be assembled a few hours ahead of time and baked just before serving to save preparation time.
- Substitute Monterey Jack cheese with mozzarella if desired for a milder taste.
- For extra crispiness, ensure the wonton wrappers are evenly pressed into the muffin tin and baked until golden before adding filling.
