For the Crab Mixture:
- 1 pound lump crab meat (fresh or high-quality canned), picked over for shells
- 1 cup crushed saltine crackers (about 20 crackers)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but adds extra creaminess)
For Coating & Frying:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1–2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning (for coating)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (for egg wash)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Optional Garnish:
- Lemon wedges
- Remoulade sauce, tartar sauce, or cocktail sauce for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crab Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the lump crab meat, crushed saltine crackers, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, green onions, and shredded cheese (if using). Be careful not to overmix—keeping the crab meat intact ensures a light, flaky texture.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
2. Shape the Crab Bombs
- Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the crab mixture and shape it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used, placing the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each ball slightly into a disc shape (this helps them cook evenly).
3. Coat & Prep for Frying
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: All-purpose flour mixed with 1–2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning.
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs (egg wash).
- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each crab bomb in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg wash, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated crab bombs back on the baking sheet.
4. Fry to Golden Perfection
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to submerge the crab bombs halfway.
- Fry the crab bombs in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Transfer the cooked crab bombs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Arrange the crab bombs on a serving platter and garnish with lemon wedges.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce—remoulade, tartar, or cocktail sauce pairs beautifully.
- Enjoy the crispy, creamy goodness while they’re hot!
Tips for Success
- Use Quality Crab Meat: Fresh lump crab meat is ideal, but high-quality canned crab works well too. Avoid imitation crab for this recipe.
- Don’t Overmix: Handle the crab mixture gently to keep the texture light and flaky.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the crab bombs, coat them, and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Bake Option: For a healthier version, bake the crab bombs at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Why This Recipe Works
These Famous Crab Bombs strike the perfect balance between crispy exteriors and creamy, flavorful centers. The combination of sweet crab meat, savory seasonings, and creamy binders creates a luxurious texture that’s hard to resist. Plus, their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for sharing—or devouring all on your own.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Appetizer Game
Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a taste of the sea, these Famous Crab Bombs are sure to impress. Their crispy, golden crust and creamy, flavorful filling make them an irresistible addition to any menu. Plus, their versatility means you can enjoy them fried, baked, or even made ahead for convenience.
We’d love to see your creations! Tag us in your photos or share your favorite variations—your twist on these crab bombs might just inspire others to try them too! 🦀✨