Famous Crab Bombs Classic Recipe
Introduction
Famous Crab Bombs Classic offers a rich and flavorful way to enjoy jumbo lump crab meat. This baked appetizer combines creamy, seasoned crab with buttery crumbs for a golden, irresistible dish perfect for gatherings or a special treat.

Ingredients
- 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat, fresh or pasteurized
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons crushed buttery crackers
- Melted butter for brushing
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to reach full temperature.
- Step 2: Inspect the crab meat carefully, removing any shells while preserving the lump texture.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and chopped parsley until smooth and homogeneous.
- Step 4: Gently fold the jumbo lump crab meat and crushed buttery crackers into the flavoring mixture, mixing just until combined to maintain texture.
- Step 5: Form the mixture into 4 to 6 uniform mounds and place them on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet.
- Step 6: Brush each crab mound generously with melted butter and bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and heated through.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and immediately serve with lemon wedges and optional additional Old Bay seasoning.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh parsley for a bright flavor or substitute with chives for a mild onion note.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle additional crushed crackers or panko on top before baking.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture.
Storage
Store any leftover crab bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 325°F/160°C) for 10 minutes to maintain texture. Avoid microwaving to keep them from becoming soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab meat for this recipe?
While imitation crab can be used in a pinch, it won’t have the same texture or flavor as jumbo lump crab, which is key to the dish’s appeal.
Can I prepare crab bombs ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mixture and shape the crab bombs a few hours ahead, keeping them refrigerated until ready to bake. Just brush with butter before baking for best results.
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Famous Crab Bombs Classic Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 crab bombs 1x
Description
Famous Crab Bombs Classic is a savory baked appetizer featuring jumbo lump crab meat blended with flavorful ingredients like mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay seasoning. These golden, buttery crab mounds are baked to perfection, delivering a rich and buttery seafood bite that is perfect for entertaining or as a delicious starter.
Ingredients
Crab Bombs Classic Ingredients
- 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat, fresh or pasteurized
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons crushed buttery crackers
- Melted butter for brushing
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to reach the full temperature for even cooking.
- Prepare Crab Meat: Carefully inspect the crab meat and remove any shell pieces while preserving the lump texture to ensure the best bite.
- Combine Flavoring Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and chopped parsley until smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Crab and Crackers: Gently fold the jumbo lump crab meat and crushed buttery crackers into the flavoring mixture, mixing just until combined to maintain the delicate texture of the crab.
- Shape Mixture: Form the mixture into 4 to 6 uniform mounds and place them on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet to prepare for baking.
- Brush with Butter and Bake: Generously brush each crab mound with melted butter, then bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until they are golden brown on top and heated through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with lemon wedges and optional additional Old Bay seasoning for extra flavor.
Notes
- Handle the crab meat gently to preserve the lumps for a better texture.
- Use fresh or pasteurized jumbo lump crab meat for the best flavor and quality.
- Buttery crackers add texture and a subtle buttery flavor — crushed saltines or Ritz crackers work well.
- Brushing with melted butter before baking enhances browning and richness.
- Serve with lemon wedges to add a fresh citrus brightness that complements the crab.
- Optional extra Old Bay seasoning can be sprinkled on top for more spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crab bombs, baked crab appetizer, seafood appetizer, Old Bay crab, crab mixture

