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This warm and cheesy sandwich combines summer shellfish with comforting ingredients for an easy sandwich recipe. By choosing high-quality ingredients and following a few simple steps, you’ll be able to make a mouthwatering crab melt that’s sure to impress your friends and family this summer. Pair with fries or a side salad for a more complete meal.
A melt is a grilled cheese, but a grilled cheese isn’t always a melt. The main difference between the two is the addition of other ingredients than cheese in a melt. One popular version of a melt is a tuna melt and another a patty melt made with a hamburger patty sandwiched between the bread.
In a small mixing bowl add the crab meat, 3 tablespoons of the mayonnaise, onion, celery, chives and Old Bay Seasoning. Then, gently combine.
Evenly spread remaining mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Then, add butter and allow to melt.
Divide half the cheese evenly on top of the bread slices. Spread the crab salad over the bread followed by the remaining cheese. Also, top each with a second slice of bread, mayo side up. Transfer the sandwiches to the pan with a spatula.
When the underside is golden brown, about 3 minutes, use a spatula to flip the sandwich and continue to cook. Gently press down on the sandwich to encourage browning and continue to cook until the cheese has melted and the underside is golden brown, about an additional 3 minutes.
Remove the melts to plates and cut in half. Serve hot.
Rather than serving the sandwich on slices of sourdough bread try switching it up and serve in smaller portions on English muffins.
While cheddar cheese is a classic choice for crab melts, you can try experimenting with different types of cheese. Gouda, Fontina, and Gruyère are all great options that can add a unique twist to your sandwich.
If you’re in the mood for something a little spicier, try swapping out the Cheddar for a pepper Jack and a sprinkle of cayenne to the crab salad. Then, the added kick of heat will complement the sweetness of the crab meat and give your melt a little extra zing.
Try adding some slices of avocado to your sandwich before cooking it. The creamy avocado will pair well with the rich ingredients. Bacon or slices of tomato are also great options.
Rather than making a sandwich, pile the crab meat onto a piece of toast or crostini and top with the cheese. Also, broil on high until the cheese is melty and bubbly.
The crab salad can be made up to two days in advance. Then, after the ingredients are combined, cover or add to an airtight container and store refrigerated. Assemble the sandwich as directed when ready to serve.
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