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Cracked Crab Cheese Bread

This Cracked Crab Cheese Bread is a show-stopping appetizer with creamy cheeses and succulent crab baked on crusty French bread.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 large crab cooked and cracked
  • 1 cup cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 loaf French bread halved lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Crab Meat

  • Start by ensuring your crab is fully cooked and cracked. Carefully pick through the shell to extract all the meat, removing any cartilage or shell fragments. Set the crab meat aside in a bowl.

Make the Cheese Mixture

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, lemon juice, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.

Fold in the Crab Meat

  • Gently fold the crab meat into the cheese mixture, being careful not to break up the lumps of crab too much to maintain texture and flavor.

Prepare the Bread

  • Slice your loaf of French bread lengthwise. Scoop out some of the soft bread from the inside to create a shallow well to hold the crab cheese mixture.

Assemble the Bread

  • Spread the crab cheese mixture evenly over both halves of the bread, pressing it slightly so it adheres well. Place the halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.

Bake

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Garnish and Serve

  • Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top. Slice into pieces and serve warm.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Hand Mixer
  • Baking Sheet
  • Spoon

Notes

  • Use fresh crab meat for the best flavor or high-quality canned crab as a convenient alternative.
  • Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier mixing and a smooth spread.
  • Don’t skip the lemon juice; it brightens and balances the richness perfectly.
  • Try adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Toast the bread lightly before adding the mixture for a crunchier base.