Garlic Butter Crab Toasts
Garlic Butter Crab Toasts combine the delicate sweetness of lump crab meat with the rich, aromatic flavors of garlic butter atop crispy toasted bread. This elegant yet easy-to-make appetizer offers savory, buttery, and fresh notes that are perfect for entertaining or a satisfying snack. Quick to prepare and highly customizable, these toasts are a flavorful way to enjoy seafood with a buttery, garlicky punch.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 toasts 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free bread option)
Crab Topping
- 1 cup fresh lump crab meat
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Bread Base
- 1 French baguette or rustic bread, sliced 1/2 inch thick
Optional Variations
- Pinch of red pepper flakes or dash of hot sauce (for spicy kick)
- Shredded Parmesan or Gruyère cheese (for cheesy twist)
- Fresh dill or chives (as alternative herbs)
- Gluten-free bread or toasted crackers (for gluten-free option)
- Additional cooked shrimp or lobster as seafood mix
- Prepare the garlic butter mixture: In a small skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add freshly minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant and golden but not browned. Stir in a splash of lemon juice and finely chopped parsley to brighten the mixture.
- Mix the crab topping: In a bowl, combine the fresh lump crab meat with the warm garlic butter mixture. Gently fold to coat the crab evenly without breaking up the delicate lumps.
- Toast the bread slices: Slice the French baguette or rustic bread into 1/2-inch slices. Toast the slices under a broiler or in a toaster oven until golden and crispy on the edges, providing a sturdy base for the topping.
- Assemble and broil: Spread the garlic butter crab mixture generously over each toasted slice. Place the assembled toasts on a baking sheet and broil for 2-4 minutes until the topping is heated through and slightly bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a light squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness. Serve immediately to maintain the crisp texture.
Notes
- Use fresh or high-quality canned crab meat for the best flavor and texture.
- Cook garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness and preserve buttery richness.
- Choose a firm, crusty bread to prevent sogginess and hold the crab topping well.
- Serve immediately after broiling to enjoy the best crispy texture and tender crab.
- Adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice seasoning to taste before broiling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 toasts
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: garlic butter crab toasts, crab appetizer, seafood snack, easy crab recipe, buttery garlic toast, appetizer, party snack, quick seafood appetizer