Reducipe – Crabbies
Posted on October 20, 2007 by Melissa
Filed Under Reducipes
Reducipe
Pronunciation: ri-doos-uh-pee
Function: noun
1 : a recipe that can help lower your food costs in a variety of ways
a : by scaling back an expensive recipe to be less pricey but still just as tasty
b : by turning an already inexpensive meal into something special
c : by using leftovers in creative ways to stretch their use
Crabbies are just plain awesome. They are wonderfully cheesy and as they cook the butter in the spread melts over the English muffin so it toasts to a crispy golden brown.
I have catered many parties, fancy and casual, and these never stay on the plates very long. They are a favorite among adults and kids alike and they are so simple to make that everyone should keep some in their freezer for surprise guests or an easy snack. The rule of thumb with these is to double what you think you will need because people will gobble them up.
When Eric and I first got married I asked him if there were any recipes that he wanted me to get from his mother. He immediately said “crab toasts”. Apparently, his mom only made these special treats when she was entertaining so Eric would try to see how many he could take without her noticing. She got wise to him stealing these toasts so she started making more to help offset his thievery.
I asked for the recipe and tried them out. They were good but I thought I could make them even better. By replacing the real crab with imitation crab and making a few other alterations I not only lowered the price but made them even more delicious. And with the changes came a new name – Crabbies!
Crabbies
1/2-3/4 cup finely chopped imitation crab
1 5oz jar sharp cheddar processed cheese spread (Old English)
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt (Lawry’s)
Garlic powder, to taste
Onion powder, to taste
Cayenne, to taste (optional)
White pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon finely minced yellow onion, lightly sautéed in butter (optional)
6 English muffinsCombine all ingredients (except muffins) in medium bowl and blend well. Split the muffins into 12 halves and spread evenly with the crab mixture. Freeze on cookie sheets for 1 or 2 hours. Once frozen, cut into quarters and store in a large ziplock-style bag in the freezer.
When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place frozen Crabbies on a cookie sheet and bake for about 12-15 minute, or until the cheese has melted and the underside is golden brown. Serve hot. Makes 48 pieces. Serves 6-10 as an appetizer
NOTE: These reheat very well and keep for months in the freezer.
You can make this with canned crab but to me, that kind of crab just tastes too fishy. The imitation crab is milder and sweeter and it reminds me more of real crab than the canned version sometimes. Plus the red specks of the crab look pretty in this appetizer.
Look how easy it is to make these! Hardly any steps or ingredients for such a big payoff!
When you make these make sure to make two batches. They go so quickly that you will be happy you did. They last forever in the freezer although the longest we have managed to keep them was 3 months before they were all eaten up. Eric and I have been known to pull some out of the freezer as a quick meal on long days, too.
When making these for an elegant party just be sure to cut them uniformly and neatly. I have tried cutting small circles with a cutter and although it makes for a cleaner presentation it wastes too much in my opinion. A few chives look nice on top as garnish but they don’t really need it.
| Ingredients | Cost | Ingredients | Cost |
| Imitation Crab | $1.55 | Cheddar Cheese | $0.16 |
| Cheese Spread | $1.99 | Spices | $0.02 |
| Mayonnaise | $0.02 | Onion | $0.03 |
| Butter | $0.47 | English Muffins | $2.24 |
| Total | $6.48 or ~$0.65 per serving |
This may not be the cheapest appetizer out there but when you consider that you get a sure-fire crab appetizer that can be frozen months ahead of time you can’t help but see the value in that. Try these out and let me know what you think! I’m sure you will love them!
Enjoy!
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6 Responses to “Reducipe – Crabbies”
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Now that just looks yummy! I’m putting this one on my “to try” list!
that looks delicious!! i cannot wait to try it.
@Lynnae – Definitely let me know how you like them! I think this could be my most requested appetizer. Never have a party without them!
@And Miles – I thought you might like this recipe! I hope your family enjoys these. Just make sure to leave out the cayenne for the little ones. :-)
Those sound wonderful. YUM!
These are the best. My wife has been fixing these for friends since we first were wed. 35 this year. She (Peg) got the recipe from a buddy and we have played with it ever since. Try it with mini shrimp, or even some of that canned chicken, we are about to try it with the Pimento Old English. Its hard to find just about anything in southern NM that doesn’t have Chile or beans in it! Hmm, maybe that may be tried next..My problem is that I never seem to get enough of them because they are gone, really quickly.
These are wonderful. I made them for a party last night. Some people were scared to try them when I told them they were crab and cheese basically, but then they LOVED them!! You were right, they go fast and now I’m wishing I had more in the freezer.
I made mine with Phillips Claw Crab (expensive) but I think well worth it. Will try it with the imitation next time.
Thanks!! :)