If you are looking for a delicious and easy appetizer for your next gathering, the Ultimate Cracked Crab Cheese Bread is the perfect choice. This mouth-watering dish combines rich cream cheese with savory crab meat, and it’s baked inside a loaf of French bread. It’s cheesy, flavorful, and sure to impress your guests!
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Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that mixes the taste of seafood with warm, gooey cheese. It’s simple to prepare and doesn’t require fancy cooking skills. Whether it’s a party, a family dinner, or just a cozy night at home, this Ultimate Cracked Crab Cheese Bread brings comfort food to a whole new level. Plus, it’s a fun dish to share and eat together!
How to Make Ultimate Cracked Crab Cheese Bread
Making the Ultimate Cracked Crab Cheese Bread is straightforward and fun. Here’s how you can whip it up in no time.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz canned crab meat
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced and hollowed
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, Colby Jack cheese, and mozzarella cheese until smooth.
- Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break it apart too much.
- Place the hollowed French bread on the prepared baking sheet.
- Fill the bread with the crab mixture and sprinkle extra cheese on top if you like it cheesy!
- Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
How to Serve Ultimate Cracked Crab Cheese Bread
Serve this cheesy crab-filled bread warm, straight from the oven. You can slice it into pieces for easy sharing. It pairs well with a fresh salad or a tangy dipping sauce for added flavor.
How to Store Ultimate Cracked Crab Cheese Bread
If you have leftovers, you can wrap the bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within a few days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until it’s warm again.
Tips to Make Ultimate Cracked Crab Cheese Bread
- Use fresh crab meat if available for a richer flavor.
- Try mixing in your favorite spices or herbs for a unique twist.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for easy mixing.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding different cheeses such as cheddar or adding vegetables like bell peppers or green onions for a bit of crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use imitation crab meat instead of canned crab meat?
Yes, imitation crab meat works well and is often more affordable. Just chop it into small pieces before mixing it in.
2. Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
You can freeze the unbaked mixture in the hollowed bread. Just wrap it well and bake it directly from the freezer, adding extra baking time.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
You can skip the crab meat and use more cheese or even add sautéed vegetables for a tasty vegetarian option.
Ultimate Cracked Crab Cheese Bread
Ingredients
Ingredients for Crab Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Make sure cream cheese is fully softened for easy mixing.
- 8 oz canned crab meat Use fresh crab meat if available for a richer flavor.
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning Try mixing in your favorite spices or herbs for a unique twist.
Other Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced and hollowed
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, Colby Jack cheese, and mozzarella cheese until smooth.
- Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break it apart too much.
- Place the hollowed French bread on the prepared baking sheet.
- Fill the bread with the crab mixture and sprinkle extra cheese on top if you like it cheesy!
Baking
- Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
