Crab Canapés are a beloved party appetizer originating from mid-century American home kitchens. These bite-sized treats combine the briny sweetness of crab with the tang of Old English cheese and a creamy, savory spread. Served on English muffins and baked until golden and bubbly, they became a go-to make-ahead hors d’oeuvre for cocktail hours and festive gatherings. Their balance of rich flavors and crisp texture has made them a lasting favorite for generations of hosts who cherish simple elegance and satisfying taste.
Ingredients
- 6 English muffins (cut in half)
- 1 stick margarine (softened)
- 5 oz old English cheese (1 jar)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp onion (minced )
- 1 can crab meat (drain well)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spread
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened margarine, Old English cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, minced onion, and drained crabmeat. Stir until well blended.
Step 2: Assemble
- Split the English muffins in half. Spread the crab mixture evenly over the 12 muffin halves.
Step 3: Freeze or Bake
- Arrange muffin halves on a cookie sheet. Freeze until firm, then cut into quarters. Store frozen pieces in a plastic bag until ready to use.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
- When ready to serve, place frozen canapés on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Tips
- Substitute butter for margarine for a richer flavor.
- Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a little heat.
- Use fresh crab for a more luxurious version.
- Try whole-grain English muffins for added texture and fiber.
- Prepare ahead and keep frozen—perfect for holiday entertaining.
Transcription of the Original Recipe
Read or copy the transcription
From My Kitchen . . . Crab Canapes 6 English Muffins 1 stick margarine, softened 1 jar Old English Cheese 2 T. mayonnaise ½ tsp. garlic powder ½ tsp. salt 1 T. minced onion 1 Can Crabmeat - well drained. Mix all & spread on 12 muffin halves. over Freeze on cookie sheet, then Cut into quarters. Store in you can plastic Bag & freeze so you Can take out as many as you want. Bake at 350° about 15 mins. - till bubbly.
From Transcription to Instructions
Thanks for bringing this recipe card to the counter , the note is short and a bit run‑on, so on the site we kept the ingredients intact (the Old English cheese is shown as a 5 oz jar) and broke that single instruction into clear steps: mix the spread, put it on the 12 muffin halves, freeze the halves on a cookie sheet until firm, cut into quarters and bag them, then bake the frozen pieces at 350°F about 15 minutes until bubbly. That makes the order easier to follow and shows exactly when to freeze and when to cut so you don’t end up slicing a soft spread.
Nutrition
Calories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 0.5mg
