Brioche Crab Melts – A Luxurious Seafood Twist on a Classic

If you’re craving something decadent, these Brioche Crab Melts are the perfect dish. Featuring sweet, tender crab meat mixed with creamy cheese, herbs, and spices, all piled on buttery brioche bread and broiled to golden perfection—this is a rich and satisfying meal that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, these crab melts are sure to impress.

Ready to dive into something delicious? Let’s get started!

Annie Graves

Brioche Crab Melts

Indulge in these Brioche Crab Melts! Loaded with fresh crab, creamy cheese, and topped with melted goodness on buttery brioche—perfect for lunch or dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 9 minutes mins

Total Time 24 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Lunch

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Crab Mixture

• 8 oz fresh lump crab meat picked over for shells
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions or chives
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Melts

• 4 slices of brioche bread or 4 brioche buns, split
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheddar, or mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter softened (for toasting the brioche)
• 1 small tomato sliced (optional, for topping)
• Lemon wedges for serving

Substitutions

• Vegan: Substitute crab with a plant-based seafood alternative and use vegan cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread or brioche.
• Low-Sodium: Reduce the added salt and opt for a low-sodium mayo and cheese.

Method

 

Prepare the Crab Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, green onions, and parsley.
2. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to break up the crab too much.
3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Toast the Brioche

1. Preheat your broiler to high. Butter one side of each slice of brioche bread.
2. Place the slices (buttered side up) on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.

Assemble the Melts

1. Spread the crab mixture evenly over the toasted side of each brioche slice.
2. Top with a few slices of tomato (if using) and a generous amount of shredded cheese.

Broil the Melts

1. Place the crab-topped brioche back under the broiler for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops are golden brown.

Serve

1. Serve the Brioche Crab Melts hot, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
2. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 melt):

• Calories: 400-450
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g

 

Notes/Advice:

• Additions/Subtractions:
  • If you prefer a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream to the crab mixture.
  • For extra crispiness, lightly toast both sides of the brioche before assembling the melts.
  • Feel free to experiment with different cheeses—Gruyère, cheddar, or a mix of cheeses work beautifully for this recipe.

Variations:

• Spicy Crab Melts: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the crab mixture for some heat.
• Herbed Crab Melts: Add fresh herbs like dill or tarragon for an extra layer of flavor.
• Avocado Crab Melts: Add slices of ripe avocado on top of the crab mixture before broiling for a creamy twist.

Suggestions:

• Serving Ideas: These Brioche Crab Melts pair beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a cup of tomato soup. For a light dinner, serve with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the crab mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, assemble and broil the melts for a quick and easy meal.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftover crab mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The assembled melts are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a toaster oven or under the broiler.

Final Thoughts:

And there you have it—Brioche Crab Melts that are luxurious, rich, and oh-so-delicious! This dish is the perfect way to enjoy the sweetness of crab meat combined with creamy cheese and buttery brioche, making it a wonderful option for lunch, dinner, or even a fancy brunch. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself, these crab melts are sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, fire up the broiler, and enjoy these irresistible crab melts. Bon appétit!

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