Description

Deviled Crab Melts are a delicious blend of fresh crabmeat, spicy flavors, and creamy cheese, all served on crispy sourdough bread. These melts are perfect for an appetizer, snack, or light lunch.

Ingredients

8 sourdough bread slices

24 oz. fresh lump crabmeat, drained and picked over

1 cup mayonnaise

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil, plus basil leaves for topping

1 1/2 tsp. lime zest (from 1 lime)

1 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. chili powder

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

5 plum tomatoes, cut into 1/4-in.-thick slices

8 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)

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Instructions

Preheat the broiler and set the oven rack 6 inches from the heat source. Place the sourdough bread slices on a wire rack on a baking sheet, then broil them until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
In a large bowl, gently combine the crabmeat, mayonnaise, cilantro, basil, lime zest, salt, chili powder, and cayenne pepper until everything is mixed well.
Spread the crab mixture evenly over the toasted bread slices. Top each with a few slices of plum tomato and then sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Return the pan to the oven and broil for another 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
Let the melts cool for about 5 minutes, then top with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

For a sharper flavor, swap Monterey Jack for cheddar cheese.
If you like more heat, add hot sauce or fresh jalapeños.
Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy twist.
Try ciabatta, French bread, or English muffins as alternatives to sourdough.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat by broiling briefly.
If freezing, separate the crab mixture and bread, and assemble when ready to broil.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack, Lunch
Method: Broiling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 melt
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 40mg