Crab Grilled Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Crab Grilled Cheese takes a classic comfort food and elevates it with a flavorful seafood twist. Creamy crab meat combined with melted Gruyere and Cheddar makes for a rich and satisfying sandwich perfect for lunch or a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• ½ cup crab meat
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1½ teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 heaping teaspoon minced green onions
• ¼ cup shredded Gruyere, plus more for sprinkling
• ¼ cup shredded Cheddar, plus more for sprinkling
• 2-3 tablespoons butter
• 4 slices sourdough bread

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, pepper, and minced green onions. Mix well, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Step 2: Stir the shredded Gruyere and Cheddar cheeses into the crab mixture until everything is evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Place two slices of sourdough bread on a clean surface. Sprinkle a little extra Gruyere on each slice to help hold the filling.
4. Step 4: Divide the crab and cheese mixture evenly atop the two bread slices with Gruyere. Then sprinkle some extra Cheddar over the crab.
5. Step 5: Top each with the remaining slices of bread, pressing gently to compress the sandwich slightly.
6. Step 6: Heat 1 to 1½ tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat until melted and hot.
7. Step 7: Place one sandwich in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown, checking occasionally by lifting the sandwich.
8. Step 8: Remove the sandwich from the skillet, melt the remaining butter in the pan, flip the sandwich, and return it to the skillet with the untoasted side down.
9. Step 9: Cook until the cheese is melted and the second side is golden brown. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning.
10. Step 10: Remove from heat, cut the sandwich in half, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh dill to the crab mixture.
• Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for a richer cheese taste.
• Try adding a few slices of tomato or avocado inside the sandwich for a fresh twist.
• If you prefer, substitute sourdough with your favorite rustic bread or sandwich loaf.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to regain crispness without overcooking the crab filling.

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 works well. Just make sure to drain it well before mixing to avoid excess moisture.

How do I prevent the bread from burning while the cheese melts?

Cook the sandwich over medium to medium-low heat and keep an eye on the bread color. You can lower the heat if the bread browns too quickly before the cheese melts.

Crab Grilled Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 124 reviews

This Crab Grilled Cheese is a decadent twist on the classic sandwich, combining tender crab meat with melty Gruyere and Cheddar cheeses, seasoned with Old Bay and Dijon mustard for a flavorful, satisfying meal. Perfectly toasted sourdough bread encases the creamy, savory filling, making it an indulgent and delicious dish for lunch or dinner.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crab Filling

• ½ cup crab meat
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1½ teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 heaping teaspoon minced green onions
• ¼ cup shredded Gruyere cheese, plus extra for sprinkling
• ¼ cup shredded Cheddar cheese, plus extra for sprinkling

Sandwich

• 2–3 tablespoons butter
• 4 slices sourdough bread

Instructions

1. Prepare the crab mixture: In a small bowl, combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, pepper, and minced green onions. Mix thoroughly and taste, adjusting seasoning if needed. Since most prepared crab meat is cooked, you can safely taste for balance of flavors.
2. Incorporate the cheeses: Add the shredded Gruyere and Cheddar cheeses to the crab mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated and well combined.
3. Assemble the sandwich base: On two slices of sourdough bread, sprinkle a little extra shredded Gruyere cheese. This acts as a ‘glue’ to hold the filling together.
4. Add crab filling: Evenly divide the crab mixture between the two cheese-topped bread slices, spreading it out evenly.
5. Top with additional cheese: Sprinkle a little extra shredded Cheddar cheese over the crab mixture for extra melty cheesiness.
6. Complete sandwich assembly: Place the remaining two slices of bread on top of the crab-topped slices. Press gently to compress the sandwich slightly, helping to hold all ingredients together.
7. Heat the skillet and melt butter: Place a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat and melt 1 to 1½ tablespoons of butter, waiting until it is hot but not browned.
8. Cook the first side: Place one sandwich in the hot skillet. Cook until the bread is golden brown, lifting occasionally to check progress and avoid burning. This should take a few minutes.
9. Prepare to cook second side: Remove the sandwich temporarily and melt the remaining butter in the skillet.
10. Flip and cook second side: Flip the sandwich over so the untoasted side is down, and place it back in the skillet. Cook until this side is golden brown and the cheese inside has melted. Adjust heat if the bread is browning too quickly.
11. Serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet, cut in half, and serve immediately while hot and gooey.

Notes

• Use fresh or high-quality canned crab meat for best flavor.
• Adjust Old Bay seasoning and pepper to personal taste preferences.
• Gruyere and Cheddar cheeses melt well, but feel free to substitute with similar cheeses if needed.
• Medium to medium-high heat is key to ensure bread crisps without burning.
• Pressing the sandwich gently before cooking helps the filling bind better.
• Serve with a side salad or chips for a complete meal.

Keywords: crab grilled cheese, seafood sandwich, crab sandwiches, grilled cheese recipe, seafood grilled cheese