When it comes to starting a party on a delicious note, these cheesy crab puffs are an absolute crowd-pleaser. Baked to a golden brown perfection, these puffs are irresistibly tasty straight out of the oven. They make a delightful alternative to bread or crackers when served with soup. Get ready to indulge in the scrumptious flavors of crab and cheese in every bite. Join us as we explore the history, ingredients, and instructions for preparing these delectable crab puffs.

History: The Chesapeake Bay area, particularly Baltimore, Maryland, is renowned for its culinary traditions featuring blue crab, the state’s beloved crustacean. Crab-based dishes are a staple in this region’s cuisine, showcasing the fresh and delicate flavors of the crabmeat. Crab puffs have become a popular appetizer, offering a delightful combination of crab and cheese baked to perfection. The creamy, cheesy filling paired with the sweet, delicate crabmeat creates a truly irresistible treat.

PREP: 25 MIN

BAKE: 25 MIN.

MAKES: ABOUT 4 DOZEN

INGREDIENTS 

• 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon water
• ½ cup butter
• 1 tablespoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ⅛ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 can (6 ounces) crabmeat, drained, flaked, and cartilage removed

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the dough: In a large saucepan, bring water, butter, ground mustard, salt, cumin, and hot pepper sauce to a boil. Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until a smooth ball forms. Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture stand for 5 minutes.
2. Incorporate the eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, to the dough mixture, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until the dough is smooth and shiny.
3. Add the cheese and crab: Stir in the shredded Swiss cheese and drained, flaked crabmeat until well combined with the dough.
4. Shape and bake the puffs: Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of the dough mixture onto greased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake the puffs in a preheated oven at 400°F for 23-26 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
5. Serve and enjoy: Remove the crab puffs from the baking sheets and transfer them to wire racks to cool slightly. Serve the puffs warm to savor their cheesy, crab-filled goodness.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

1. Platter: Arrange the crab puffs on a platter and serve them as a standalone appetizer. They can be the star of the show and enjoyed by themselves.
2. Dipping sauce: Serve crab puffs with a variety of dipping sauces to enhance their flavor. Some popular options include sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, spicy mayo, or a tangy tartar sauce.
3. Salad topping: Add a twist to your salad by placing a few crab puffs on top. The creamy filling and crispy shell can provide a delightful contrast to the fresh greens.
4. Mini sliders: Slice the crab puffs in half horizontally and use them as a filling for mini sliders. Add some lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of sauce to create a tasty and unique appetizer.
5. Asian-inspired wraps: Serve crab puffs with lettuce leaves, cucumber slices, and shredded carrots. Let your guests create their own lettuce wraps by filling the leaves with the crab puffs and adding desired toppings.
6. Party skewers: Thread the crab puffs onto small skewers along with colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or cucumber chunks. This presentation adds a fun and vibrant touch to your appetizer spread.
7. Sushi rolls: Incorporate crab puffs into homemade sushi rolls by using them as one of the fillings. Combine them with ingredients like avocado, cucumber, and crab sticks to create a fusion of flavors.
8. Tapas-style plate: Serve crab puffs as part of a larger spread of small plates or tapas. Combine them with other appetizers like spring rolls, dumplings, or fried calamari for a diverse and flavorful selection.

NOTES:

• Now, with a tray of golden-brown crab puffs in hand, you are ready to delight your guests with these irresistible treats. The combination of creamy cheese, delicate crabmeat, and a hint of spice will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy these cheesy crab puffs as an appetizer at your next gathering or as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite soup.