Old English Crab Melt Muffins

If you’ve never had one of these glorious little snacks before, you’re in for a treat. The base is a toasted English muffin half (crispy, chewy perfection), and it’s topped with a cheesy crab mixture that’s equal parts nostalgic and delicious. They come out of the oven hot, melty, and just a little crispy on top—everything you want in a comfort food bite.

I grew up eating these at every family holiday party. My aunt used to make giant trays of them, stash them in the freezer, and just pop a few under the broiler when guests showed up. And you know what? They still hold up today. Whether you’re making a batch for a brunch spread, a game day snack, or a cozy dinner with a side salad, these crab melts are always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and easy: Mix, spread, and broil—done in under 20 minutes.
• Cheesy and savory: That Old English cheese melts like a dream and pairs perfectly with crab.
• Perfect for parties: Make a big batch, freeze ‘em, and pop in the oven as needed.
• Kid- and adult-approved: Soft inside, crispy edges, cheesy topping… what’s not to love?
• Flexible: Use canned, imitation, or fresh crab depending on what you’ve got.

Prep Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 12 muffin halves (6 English muffins, halved)

Nutrition (per muffin half):
Calories: 190 | Protein: 9g | Carbs: 14g | Fat: 11g

Ingredients

• 1 (5 oz) jar Old English cheese spread
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (6 oz) can lump crab meat (or imitation crab, finely chopped)
• 6 English muffins, split in half
• Optional: pinch of paprika, chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Ingredient Notes

• Old English cheese: You’ll find this in the refrigerated section, usually near the cream cheese. It’s smooth, sharp, and perfect for melting.
• Crab meat: Lump crab is ideal for texture, but claw meat or even imitation crab can work just fine. Just make sure to drain well.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the mixture spread easily.
• Worcestershire: Adds umami and depth. A little goes a long way.
• Spices: Garlic powder and onion powder keep it simple but flavorful.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and prep

• Preheat your oven to 425°F or set your broiler to high.
• Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.

2. Make the crab mixture

• In a medium bowl, mix together the Old English cheese spread, softened butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
• Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break it up too much—you want some nice chunks.

3. Assemble the melts

• Lay your English muffin halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
• Spread a generous scoop of the crab mixture on each muffin half, all the way to the edges.

4. Broil or bake

• Broil: Place under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, until the tops are bubbly and golden. Keep a close eye—broilers work fast!
• Bake: If you’re baking instead, pop them in the oven at 425°F for about 8–10 minutes, or until melty and slightly browned.

5. Serve hot

• Sprinkle with a little paprika or chopped parsley if you want to dress them up.
• Serve warm and watch them disappear.

How to Serve

• Appetizer style: Cut the halves into quarters and serve as finger food at parties.
• Main course: Pair with a green salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a cozy lunch or light dinner.
• Game day snack: Set out a tray with hot sauce, lemon wedges, or a creamy dip on the side.

Additional Tips

1. Toast the muffins first (optional): If you like a crispier base, toast the muffin halves for 2–3 minutes before adding the crab mix.
2. Drain the crab: Excess moisture will make your topping watery—drain and pat dry with a paper towel.
3. Don’t walk away from the broiler: These go from perfect to burnt in a flash. Stay close!
4. Double the batch and freeze half: These freeze and reheat like a dream (details below).
5. Use a cookie scoop: Makes spreading the topping faster and more even.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy version: Add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
• Fresh herbs: Mix in a tablespoon of chopped chives or parsley for added flavor.
• Add lemon zest: A bit of zest brightens the whole dish, especially if using fresh crab.
• Bigger flavor: Mix in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of Old Bay seasoning.
• Make it mini: Use mini bagels or halved dinner rolls for bite-sized party snacks.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with:
  • Tomato or seafood chowder
  • Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
  • Garlic green beans or roasted veggies
• On a party tray: Serve with shrimp cocktail, mini quiches, or deviled eggs for a vintage appetizer spread.
• For brunch: Add a fried or poached egg on top for an extra special treat.

Freezing and Storage

To Freeze:

• Assemble the crab melts but don’t bake them yet.
• Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.

To Cook from Frozen:

• Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, or broil on low until golden and bubbly.

To Store Leftovers:

• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best texture—microwaving makes them soggy.

Special Equipment

• Foil-lined baking sheet: Makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.
• Spatula or small offset knife: Helpful for spreading the topping smoothly.
• Broiler-safe rack (optional): Helps crisp the bottoms while the tops get melty.

FAQ

Can I use imitation crab?
Yes! Just chop it finely and mix it in. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Where can I find Old English cheese spread?
Look in the refrigerated section near the cream cheese. Kraft Old English spread comes in small glass jars.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes—assemble and freeze, or keep in the fridge for a few hours before broiling.

Do I need to remove shells from canned crab?
Canned crab is usually shell-free, but give it a quick look to be sure.

Can I use a different bread base?
Totally! Try mini bagels, English muffin halves, or even sliced French bread.

Is this kid-friendly?
Yes—especially if you use imitation crab. Just skip the spicy add-ins.

Can I add cheese on top?
You don’t need it, but a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top can add a little extra melt and crisp.

Conclusion

These Old English Crab Melt Muffins are cheesy, toasty, and just retro enough to feel both comforting and fun. They’re one of those little recipes that stands the test of time because they’re just that good. Easy to whip up, easy to freeze, and even easier to devour.

Give them a try and let me know how you serve them—game night, brunch, or straight from the freezer for a midnight snack. They’re always a win.

Print