Description
This Crispy Crab Appetizer is a delightful and elegant starter featuring lump crab meat combined with creamy, zesty seasonings, nestled in crispy mini phyllo shells. Perfect for holiday gatherings or parties, these bite-sized treats deliver fresh seafood flavor with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Crab Filling
- 8 oz lump crab meat, drained and picked over for shells
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Assembly & Garnish
- 1 package mini phyllo shells (15 count)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange the mini phyllo shells evenly on a baking sheet to prepare for filling.
- Make Crab Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, finely chopped green onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Fold in Crab Meat: Gently fold the lump crab meat into the mixture, taking care to maintain the lumps and avoid breaking the crab meat too much to keep texture.
- Fill the Phyllo Shells: Spoon the crab mixture generously into each mini phyllo shell, filling each one fully but not overflowing.
- Brush with Butter: Lightly brush the tops of each filled shell with melted unsalted butter to promote browning and enhance flavor.
- Bake Until Crispy: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the phyllo shells turn golden and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Serve these appetizers fresh from the oven for the best crispy texture and optimal flavor.
- You can prepare the crab mixture in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.
- Feel free to substitute the mini phyllo shells with mini wonton cups or toasted baguette slices for variety.
