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–+ servings
Crab-stuffed mushrooms with golden topping on a plate with herbs

Coastal Crab Cap Bites

Savory cremini mushroom caps filled with a creamy crab and herb mixture, topped with a crunchy almond-panko crust—perfect for parties and make-ahead appetizers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 31 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 126 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Hand Mixer
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Zester
  • Spoon or scoop
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

Mushrooms

  • 24 cremini mushrooms stems removed, about 2-inch caps
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for brushing caps

Filling

  • 6 oz lump crab meat drained, pasteurized
  • 4 oz cream cheese room temperature
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 egg lightly beaten
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 2 tbsp green onion minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley minced
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper optional

Topping

  • 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp toasted almonds finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter melted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with a rack. Brush mushroom caps with olive oil and roast cavity-side down for 5 minutes.
  • Remove mushrooms from oven, flip them over, and set aside to cool while preparing filling.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Fold in crab, mayo, egg, Parmesan, green onion, parsley, lemon zest and juice, Old Bay, garlic powder, and cayenne.
  • Spoon 1 tablespoon of filling into each mushroom cap and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Combine panko, toasted almonds, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the stuffed mushrooms.
  • Bake for 14–16 minutes, until filling reaches 165°F internally and topping is golden. Let cool for 3 minutes before serving.

Notes

To prep ahead, assemble the mushrooms up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate covered. Add 2–3 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold. For a gluten-free version, substitute all almond meal for the panko.

Nutrition

Calories: 126kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 8gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 298mgPotassium: 240mgFiber: 0.6gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 0.9mg
Keyword Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, Holiday Appetizer, Make-Ahead, Seafood Appetizer
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