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Brioche Crab Melts
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
Cook Time 9 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
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.