The Perfect Cheese Pairings For Crab Dishes

Crab and cheese is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for years. The saltiness of the cheese is balanced by the sweetness of the crab meat, and the cheese adds a delicious taste to any crab dish. There are many types of cheese that go well with crab, from creamy types like brie and camembert to blue cheese and Roquefort. In this article, we will explore the different types of cheese that pair well with crab and provide tips on how to create the perfect crab and cheese dish. We will also discuss the benefits of pairing crab with cheese and why it is a popular combination.

Crab and cheese melts

Ingredients

• Crab meat
• Mayonnaise
• Celery
• Onion
• Garlic powder
• Tabasco sauce
• English muffins
• Cheese
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Tomatoes (optional)

Method

Firstly, decide on your crab meat. You can use canned crab meat or fresh crab meat. If you're using canned crab, be sure to drain it first.

In a bowl, mix together the crab meat, mayonnaise, celery, onion, garlic powder, and Tabasco sauce. You can also add in some diced jalapeno pepper for a spicier kick.

Next, prepare your English muffins. Place them on a baking sheet and broil them until lightly toasted.

Now it's time to assemble the sandwiches. Spread the crab mixture onto the English muffin halves. If you're using tomatoes, add a thin slice to each muffin. Top with your choice of cheese—cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Gruyere, or Swiss cheese are all great options. Sprinkle with paprika for a little extra flavour.

Finally, broil the sandwiches until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy your crab and cheese melts!

Cheese and Crab Pairing

When it comes to choosing a cheese to pair with crab, there are several options that complement the sweetness of the crab meat. Creamy cheeses like brie, camembert, and goat cheese go well with crab. Blue cheese adds a salty and spicy kick to your dish. For a harder cheese option, gouda pairs wonderfully with crab. You can also try cottage cheese or ricotta for a milder, subtler flavour.

Crab and cheese dips

Crab and cheese is a classic pairing, with the saltiness of the cheese balancing out the sweetness of the crab. There are many types of cheese that complement crab, from creamy cheeses like brie and camembert to blue cheese and Roquefort. Here are some mouth-watering crab and cheese dip recipes that are sure to impress.

Crab Dip

This easy-to-make crab dip is perfect as an appetizer or side dish for parties, game days, or holidays. It can be served hot or cold and is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• Cream cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Garlic
• Green onion
• Old Bay seasoning
• Salt
• Worcestershire sauce
• Lemon juice
• Cheddar cheese
• Hot sauce
• Fresh lump crab meat

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Stir in mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, green onion, Old Bay seasoning, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Add in shredded cheddar cheese and hot sauce, mixing until smooth. Finally, stir in the crab meat. Spread the mixture into a 9" pie dish or similar-sized baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Serve warm with slices of sourdough bread, crackers, tortilla chips, or chopped cold veggies.

Hot Crab Dip

This hot crab dip is another delicious option that will have your party guests begging for more. It's simple to make and can be served as an appetizer with onion or garlic crackers.

Ingredients:

• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crabmeat
• Mayonnaise
• Worcestershire sauce
• Lemon juice
• Hot sauce
• Paprika

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the cheddar cheese, crabmeat, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce until well combined. Transfer the crab mixture to a shallow 9x13-inch baking dish. Garnish with paprika. Bake in the oven until golden brown and bubbly, about 30 minutes.

Cheesy Hot Crab Dip

This decadent, yet elegant dip is the ultimate party snack. It pairs well with champagne, cocktails, or any beverage of your choice. It's simple to make and can be prepared up to a day in advance.

Ingredients:

• Lump crab meat
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Grated white onion
• All-purpose seasoning salt
• Worcestershire sauce
• Lemon juice
• Hot sauce
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Crackers, baguette slices, or tortilla chips for serving

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream, stirring until creamy. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until browned and bubbly. Serve warm with crackers, baguette slices, or tortilla chips.

Crab cakes with cheese

Crab cakes are a delicious treat, and adding cheese to the mix only makes them more irresistible. Crab cakes with cheese are a great way to elevate your snack game or even serve as a fancy dinner. This recipe combines the sweetness of crab with the perfect cheese to create a delightful culinary experience.

Ingredients

• Crab Meat
• Mayonnaise
• Eggs
• Mustard
• Hot Sauce
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Seafood Seasoning
• Celery Seed
• Lemon Juice
• Baking Powder
• Breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• Oil or Butter for frying
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Cheese (suggestions below)

Method

Start by whisking together mayonnaise, eggs, mustard, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and any spices or seasonings you prefer. In a separate bowl, gently mix the crab meat with your choice of cheese. Fold in the egg mixture and form the desired number of patties. You can experiment with the size, but a good rule of thumb is to make them about 4-ounce each.

Chill the patties in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to let them firm up. This step is important to ensure your crab cakes hold together during frying.

When you're ready to cook, heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the crab cakes until they're golden brown and crispy on both sides. Be careful when flipping them so they don't fall apart.

Serve your crab cakes with a squeeze of lemon juice, tartar sauce, or your favourite dip. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course, paired with sides like coleslaw, corn soup, or grilled tomatoes.

Cheese Suggestions

Now, for the star of the show – the cheese! Here are some options that pair beautifully with crab:

• Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese provides a sweet, mild, and nutty flavour that complements the crab cakes without overwhelming them.
• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is mild and won't overpower the crab. It adds a creamy texture and richness to the cakes.
• Blue Cheese: If you're feeling adventurous, blue cheese adds a salty and spicy kick to your crab cakes. It's a bold choice but definitely worth trying.
• Goat Cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy, lemony flavour that pairs well with seafood. It's a great option to balance out the sweetness of the crab.
• Brie: For a decadent touch, Brie adds a creamy and rich dimension to your crab cakes.
• Gruyere: Gruyere is a sophisticated choice, adding a touch of elegance to your crab cakes.
• Cheddar: Cheddar brings a sharp and salty flavour to the mix, creating a delightful contrast with the sweetness of the crab.

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite pairing! You can also try mixing and matching cheeses to create unique flavour profiles.

Crab and cheese sandwiches

Ingredients

• Crabmeat
• Mayonnaise
• Celery
• Onion
• English muffins
• Tomato
• Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Gruyere, or Swiss)
• Paprika

Optional Ingredients

• Cream cheese
• Tartar sauce
• Jalapeno pepper
• Lobster or shrimp

Instructions

First, combine the crabmeat, mayonnaise, celery, and onion in a small bowl. Next, lightly toast the English muffins in the oven. Then, spread the crab mixture onto the toasted muffins, adding tomato slices on top. Blanket the crab with your choice of cheese. For a final touch, sprinkle paprika on top. Broil the sandwiches in the oven until the cheese is bubbly.

Variations

For a richer flavour, add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the crab mixture. Alternatively, you can replace the mayonnaise, celery, and onion with tartar sauce. If you prefer your sandwiches spicy, add some diced jalapeno pepper to the crab mixture. You can also try substituting lobster or shrimp for the crab.

Crab and cheese pasta

Ingredients

• 250g/8oz of linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or pasta of your choice
• 2-3 tbsp of unsalted butter
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp of all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups of half-and-half (or 3/4 cup each of heavy cream and whole milk)
• 1/3-1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp of dried tarragon
• 1 tsp of lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp of kosher salt
• Dash of freshly ground black pepper
• 8oz/1 cup of lump crab meat, drained and picked through
• Fresh parsley for topping

Optional Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/4 cup of very finely chopped celery
• 2 tbsp of finely chopped onion
• 1/2 tsp of garlic powder
• Hot sauce

Instructions

• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
• In a clean skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
• Whisk in the flour. Very slowly, whisk in the half-and-half. You want to add just a small amount at a time to create a roux. Continue until you've added all of the half-and-half, then bring the mixture to a low simmer.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese, melting it into the sauce. Then, add the tarragon, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed.
• Stir in the pasta and crab meat. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more half-and-half. Top with fresh parsley and serve.

Cheese and Crab Pairing

Cheese and crab is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed by people all over the world. The saltiness of the cheese balances the sweetness of the crab, while the sharpness of the cheese is offset by the crab's sweetness. Cheese also adds richness and body to the dish.

When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your crab pasta, there are several options that pair well with crab, including:

• Blue cheese
• Gorgonzola
• Brie
• Camembert
• Goat cheese
• Mozzarella
• Swiss cheese
• Provolone
• Cream cheese
• Gouda
• Cottage cheese
• Ricotta
• Fontina
• Feta
• Boursault

Experimenting with different cheeses will help you find the perfect combination for your taste preferences.

Frequently asked questions