Famous Crab Bombs: A Delectable Seafood Delight Recipe

Introduction

Famous Crab Bombs are a delicious seafood appetizer that combines sweet lump crab meat with creamy cheese and flavorful seasonings. These crispy, bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or a special snack.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh lump crab meat
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Oil for frying (optional, as needed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy.
2. Step 2: Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break it apart too much.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped green onion, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
4. Step 4: Use your hands to shape the crab mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
5. Step 5: Roll each ball in panko bread crumbs until fully coated for an extra crispy texture.
6. Step 6: If frying, heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the crab bombs in batches until they are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
7. Step 7: If baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the crab bombs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Step 8: Once done, remove from heat and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture, but canned crab can be a convenient substitute.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture.
• Serve with a tangy dipping sauce like tartar sauce or cocktail sauce for added flavor.
• If you prefer to bake instead of fry, brushing with olive oil helps achieve a crispy exterior.

Storage

Store leftover crab bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness. Fried crab bombs are best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use imitation crab meat instead of lump crab meat?

While imitation crab meat can be used, it lacks the texture and flavor of fresh lump crab. For the best results, fresh or high-quality canned lump crab meat is recommended.

What is the best oil for frying crab bombs?

Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best for frying crab bombs to achieve a crispy, golden exterior without overpowering the flavor.

Famous Crab Bombs: A Delectable Seafood Delight Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 115 reviews

Famous Crab Bombs are delightful seafood appetizers featuring fresh lump crab meat blended with creamy cheese and spices, coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, and cooked to golden perfection by frying or baking. They make a perfect indulgent starter for any seafood lover.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 crab bombs 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crab Mixture

• 1 lb fresh lump crab meat
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Coating

• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

Garnish

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For Cooking

• Oil for frying (optional, as needed)

Instructions

1. Prepare the creamy crab mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy, ensuring a perfect base for the crab.
2. Fold in the crab meat: Gently incorporate the fresh lump crab meat into the mixture, being careful not to break the lumps to maintain texture and flavor.
3. Add seasonings and mix: Stir in finely chopped green onion, grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper, mixing until just combined for balanced seasoning.
4. Shape crab bombs: With your hands, form the crab mixture into small balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
5. Coat with panko breadcrumbs: Roll each crab ball thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs, providing a crispy outer texture when cooked.
6. Fry (optional): Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the crab bombs in batches until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
7. Bake (alternative): Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the crab bombs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush lightly with olive oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Serve: Let the crab bombs cool slightly after cooking. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh color and flavor contrast.

Notes

• Be gentle when folding in crab meat to preserve the delicate texture.
• Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• Oil amount depends on frying method; ensure enough to submerge crab bombs for even cooking.
• Baking is a healthier alternative to frying and still yields crispy results when brushed with oil.
• Serve with a dipping sauce like tartar or spicy mayo for added flavor.

Keywords: crab bombs, seafood appetizer, crab meat recipe, fried crab balls, baked crab bites