Description
Imagine the rich, buttery taste of crab meat paired with creamy cheese and toasted bread. This Crab’s Delicious Seafood Bread Recipe is the ultimate indulgence for seafood lovers. Perfectly seasoned crab meat is layered with a cheesy, flavorful mixture and baked on a crusty loaf of bread until golden and bubbly. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself to a special dinner, this dish will impress everyone with its bold flavors and stunning presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bread Base:
- 1 large French or Italian bread loaf, halved lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
For the Crab Mixture:
- 1 pound fresh or canned lump crab meat, drained
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the bread in half lengthwise and place the halves on a baking sheet, cut-side up. Spread the softened butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden. - Make the Crab Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning (if using), green onions, parsley, and lemon juice. Gently mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Assemble the Bread:
Spread the prepared crab mixture evenly over the toasted bread halves. Be generous, ensuring the mixture covers the entire surface. - Bake the Seafood Bread:
Return the bread to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the edges of the bread are golden brown. For a crispier finish, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. - Garnish and Serve:
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an added burst of freshness. Slice into portions and enjoy while warm.
Notes
- Fresh Crab vs. Canned Crab: While fresh lump crab meat offers the best flavor, canned crab works perfectly if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure it’s drained well.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with Gruyere, cheddar, or cream cheese for a different cheesy twist.
- Reheating: To reheat leftovers, place the bread in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to maintain its crisp texture. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the bread soggy.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the crab mixture up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake the bread when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American