Crab Appetizers

Tanzanian Crab Appetizers with Cream Cheese, Cheddar and Monterey Jack

Region / culture: Tanzania | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 10

Introduction

Crab appetizers are a delicious and elegant addition to any party or gathering. These bite-sized treats are perfect for serving as a starter or as part of a larger meal. With a creamy cheese base and flavorful crab meat topping, these appetizers are sure to impress your guests.

History

Crab appetizers have been a popular dish for many years, often served at upscale events and parties. The combination of creamy cheese and savory crab meat is a classic pairing that never goes out of style. This recipe puts a modern twist on the traditional crab appetizer, making it easy to prepare and even more delicious.

Ingredients

1 can of flakey biscuits
8 oz (227 g) of cream cheese
0.5 tsp of seasoning salt
1 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley
1.5 cups of chopped crabmeat
0.5 lemon, juice of
0.5 cup of cheddar cheese
0.5 cup of monterey jack cheese
1 tbsp of fresh dill, chopped fine

How to prepare

Separate the biscuits
Divide each biscuit into 3 equal parts
You should have a total of 30 pieces
Place the pieces on a cookie sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes
Spread a generous amount of cream cheese on each piece
Sprinkle seasoning salt over the cream cheese
Add crab meat on top of the cream cheese
Sprinkle grated cheeses over the crab meat
Finish with a sprinkle of dill
Bake or broil until the cheese is melted

Variations

Add a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning for a spicy kick.
Substitute the crab meat with cooked shrimp or lobster for a different flavor profile.
Top with a drizzle of garlic butter for extra richness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use high-quality crab meat for the best flavor.

- Make sure to evenly distribute the toppings on each biscuit for a balanced bite.

- Keep an eye on the oven while baking to prevent burning.

- Feel free to customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crab appetizers as a starter before a seafood dinner or as part of a cocktail party spread. Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing contrast.

Cooking Techniques

Baking and broiling are the best techniques for cooking these crab appetizers, as they ensure a crispy biscuit base and melted cheese topping.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter option.

- Swap out the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or Parmesan for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

These crab appetizers can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply pop them in the oven when you're ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange these crab appetizers on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or lemon slices for an elegant presentation. Serve on decorative plates or trays for a polished look.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these crab appetizers with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for a perfect match. The bright acidity of the wine will complement the rich flavors of the crab and cheese.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover crab appetizers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of these crab appetizers contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these crab appetizers contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of these crab appetizers contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of these crab appetizers contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Crab meat is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese, cheddar cheese) and shellfish (crab meat).

Summary

These crab appetizers are a delicious and indulgent treat, perfect for special occasions. While they are higher in fat and calories, they are a great source of protein and essential nutrients.

Summary

These crab appetizers are a delicious and decadent treat that is sure to impress your guests. With a creamy cheese base, flavorful crab meat topping, and crispy biscuit base, these appetizers are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Crab Appetizers. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha at her beach house. Martha was an incredible cook, and I always looked forward to trying her delicious creations.

On this particular day, she had invited me over for a small gathering with a few of her friends. As we sat outside on her deck, overlooking the ocean, Martha brought out a platter of the most delectable-looking crab appetizers I had ever seen. The crispy golden shells were filled with a creamy mixture of crab meat, cheese, and herbs, and they smelled absolutely heavenly.

I couldn't wait to try one, and when I did, I was immediately hooked. The combination of the sweet crab meat with the rich cheese and fragrant herbs was a flavor explosion in my mouth. I had to know the recipe.

Martha smiled knowingly as I raved about her appetizers and asked for the recipe. She told me that it was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations. She had learned it from her grandmother, who had learned it from her mother, and so on. She promised to teach me how to make it the next time I visited.

True to her word, Martha invited me back a few weeks later for a cooking lesson. As we stood side by side in her cozy kitchen, she walked me through the steps of making the crab appetizers. We started by sautéing onions and garlic in butter until they were soft and fragrant. Then we added in the crab meat, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and a mix of fresh herbs – parsley, chives, and dill.

Martha showed me how to gently fold everything together until it was well combined, being careful not to break up the delicate crab meat too much. Then she spooned the mixture into small puff pastry shells, which she had pre-baked until they were light and crispy. Finally, she sprinkled a little more cheese on top and popped them into the oven to bake until the cheese was melted and bubbly.

As the crab appetizers baked, Martha regaled me with stories of her family and their love of cooking. She told me about how her grandmother had been a renowned chef in her day, and how she had traveled the world collecting recipes and cooking techniques. I was entranced by her tales, and I felt honored to be learning one of their cherished recipes.

When the crab appetizers were finally done, Martha pulled them out of the oven and set them on the counter to cool slightly. The smell wafting through the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to dig in. We each grabbed one and took a bite, savoring the creamy filling and crispy shell.

I knew in that moment that this recipe would become a staple in my own repertoire. The combination of flavors and textures was simply irresistible, and I knew that my family and friends would love it as much as I did. I thanked Martha profusely for sharing her family recipe with me, and she simply smiled and said that some recipes were meant to be shared and passed down through the generations.

As I left Martha's house that day, armed with the recipe for her delicious crab appetizers, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction and gratitude. I had learned not just a recipe, but a piece of culinary history that had been lovingly preserved and cherished by Martha and her family. And I couldn't wait to share it with my own loved ones, carrying on the tradition of delicious food and warm memories for years to come.