Baked Crab Popper Delights

These Baked Crab Popper Delights are a perfect appetizer or snack for any seafood lover. Packed with sweet crab meat, creamy cheese, and a hint of spice, they’re easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Unlike fried appetizers, these are baked to golden perfection, making them a slightly healthier yet equally indulgent treat. Perfect for parties, game day, or a simple family gathering!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or non-stick spray
• Spoon or small cookie scoop
• Oven

Ingredients Overview

• Crab Meat: Fresh, canned, or imitation crab works well, but lump crab meat delivers the best flavor.
• Cheese: Cream cheese for creaminess and shredded cheddar or mozzarella for extra flavor.
• Spices: A mix of Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika gives these poppers a delightful kick.
• Jalapeños: Add optional diced jalapeños for a touch of heat.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs ensure a crispy golden topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine:
   • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
   • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
   • 1 cup cooked crab meat, flaked
   • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
   • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
   • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
   • 1–2 tablespoons diced jalapeños (optional for spice)
2. Mix until evenly combined and creamy.

3. Form the Poppers

1. Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, form the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
2. Roll each ball lightly in panko breadcrumbs to coat.

4. Bake to Perfection

1. Place the poppers on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
2. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the poppers are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.

5. Serve Warm

1. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Old Bay seasoning for presentation.

Recipe Tips

• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.
• Add a splash of lemon juice to the filling for a bright, zesty flavor.
• Serve with dipping sauces like tartar sauce, spicy mayo, or cocktail sauce.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• A crisp green salad for a light contrast.
• Dipping sauces such as ranch, aioli, or sweet chili sauce.
• Fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the poppers up to the baking step, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

Can I freeze these poppers?
Absolutely. Freeze uncooked poppers on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use canned crab?
Yes, but be sure to drain and flake the crab meat well to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cooked crab meat (lump, canned, or imitation)
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1–2 tablespoons diced jalapeños (optional)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
2. Mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, crab meat, and seasonings in a bowl until creamy. Add jalapeños if desired.
3. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and roll in panko breadcrumbs.
4. Arrange the poppers on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden.
5. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or fresh lemon wedges.

These Baked Crab Popper Delights are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make and full of savory, cheesy goodness! Perfect for entertaining or as a special treat for yourself.

Baked Crab

These Baked Crab Popper Delights are a perfect appetizer or snack for any seafood lover. Packed with sweet crab meat, creamy cheese, and a hint of spice, they’re easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Unlike fried appetizers, these are baked to golden perfection, making them a slightly healthier yet equally indulgent treat. Perfect for parties, game day, or a simple family gathering!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Kitchen Equipment Needed:
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or non-stick spray
• Spoon or small cookie scoop

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cooked crab meat lump, canned, or imitation
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 –2 tablespoons diced jalapeños optional
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Optional garnish: Fresh parsley lemon wedges

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
• Mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, crab meat, and seasonings in a bowl until creamy. Add jalapeños if desired.
• Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and roll in panko breadcrumbs.
• Arrange the poppers on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden.
• Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or fresh lemon wedges.
• These Baked Crab Popper Delights are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make and full of savory, cheesy goodness! Perfect for entertaining or as a special treat for yourself.