There’s grilled cheese—and then there’s Crab Grilled Cheese, a luxurious, savory upgrade to your typical sandwich. This rich and gooey delight takes tender crab meat, creamy cheese, and golden, buttery bread to a whole new level. Whether you’re making lunch for yourself or impressing guests at brunch, this crab grilled cheese is an easy yet elegant option.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the comfort of grilled cheese with the indulgence of seafood
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Perfect for special occasions or gourmet sandwiches at home
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses and seasonings
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for two sandwiches:
For the Crab Filling:
- 1 cup lump crabmeat (fresh or canned, well-drained)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional but recommended)
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions or chives
For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices of sourdough or brioche bread
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
How to Make Crab Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Mixture
In a bowl, gently mix together the crabmeat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, green onions, and Old Bay. Be careful not to break up the crab lumps too much.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Place two slices, buttered side down, on a skillet or board.
- Layer with cheese, then spoon over the crab mixture.
- Add another layer of cheese (optional but delicious), and top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing up.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
- Heat a skillet or pan over medium-low heat.
- Cook the sandwiches for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and the cheese is fully melted.
Tips for the Best Crab Grilled Cheese
- Use quality crab: Fresh lump crab meat delivers the best texture and flavor.
- Cheese matters: Gruyère or sharp white cheddar pair beautifully with crab.
- Don’t rush the grill: Cook on medium-low to melt the cheese slowly and get crispy bread without burning.
- Add extras: A few spinach leaves or tomato slices can give added freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your crab grilled cheese with:
- A bowl of creamy tomato soup
- Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
- Pickles and kettle chips
- Lemon wedges for a bright touch
Variations to Try
- Spicy Crab Melt: Add a touch of sriracha or jalapeño slices
- Crab and Avocado: Layer in a few avocado slices for richness
- Open-Faced Style: Toast bread, top with crab and cheese, then broil
Conclusion
Crab Grilled Cheese is the ultimate gourmet sandwich. Creamy, melty, buttery, and packed with seafood flavor, it’s comfort food taken to the next level. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to elevate your sandwich game, this recipe is a must-try.