Crab Salad Sandwich

Simple Crab Appetiser:

Crab salad is the ultimate seafood treat when you want something luxurious yet, beyond easy to prepare & this simple crab appetiser is fresh, tasty, and utterly adaptable, making it perfect for appetisers or light bites.

This simple crab appetiser elevates crab salad with a medley of character flavours, creamy textures, and that little bit of refinement.

Presented between crisp crackers & prepared in 15mins, these canapés will steal the show.

Why It Works:

Crab salad pairs beautifully with a variety of flavours and textures including the tangy brightness of lemon to the creaminess of brie and the aromatic lift of fresh herbs in this recipe.

The combination of zesty, savoury, and subtly spicy notes makes these canapés an amazing explosion of taste in every bite.

The contrast of the creamy crab mixture against the crunchy base is not just satisfying but also ensures each bite is perfectly balanced.

Perfect for Any Occasion:

Whether it’s a holiday party, a summer soiree, or an elegant dinner with friends, this simple crab appetiser is designed to impress.

They’re easy to prepare yet definitely feel decadent, making them an ideal choice when you want to elevate your appetiser game without spending hours in the kitchen.

Let’s face it, anything crab is the ultimate in culinary self-indulgence.

Their small size and bold flavours make them a versatile addition to grazing boards or plated appetisers, giving your guests something truly memorable to enjoy.

This easy seafood appetiser makes a wonderful addition to outdoor gatherings.

Providing a light yet flavourful complement to a crisp white wine or bubbly for any garden party.

The combination of fresh herbs and lemon keeps them bright and refreshing, perfect for warm-weather entertaining.

Tips for Success:

• Choose your crackers wisely. Opt for sturdy ones with a neutral flavour to let the crab salad shine. Crackers with a hint of sea salt can also enhance the overall flavour.

• Assemble just before serving. This keeps the crackers crisp and the presentation flawless. Nobody likes a soggy base, and these canapés deserve to be enjoyed at their best.

• Decorate thoughtfully. A garnish of fresh herbs or a twist of lemon adds a polished finish to the plate. It’s these little details that transform a simple appetiser into a show-stopping bite.

• Experiment with presentation. Arrange your canapés on a rustic wooden board or a sleek platter for a look that matches your event’s theme. Add lemon wedges, herb sprigs, or edible flowers to elevate the visual appeal.

Effortless Elegance:

There’s something special about serving bite-sized treats that hit hard in the flavour stakes.

These crab salad canapés embody effortless elegance, allowing you to entertain with confidence and style.

They strike that perfect balance between indulgence and approachability, impressing both seasoned foodies and casual guests alike.

Crab salad itself is a celebration of fresh, high-quality ingredients but convert it into a simple crab appetiser & your guests won’t be disappointed.

The natural sweetness of the crab is amplified by the zesty citrus, creamy aioli, and the subtle kick of chilli flakes.

It’s a dish that feels luxurious without being overly complicated, proving that simplicity can be every bit as impressive as complexity.

But, crab has a delicate flavour overall, that can be easily overpowered, so it needs to be paired thoughtfully.

Pairing Suggestions:

For beverages, pair these canapés with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay.

The bright acidity of the wine complements the richness of the crab salad beautifully.

Alternatively, sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a dry Prosecco.

For a grazing board, these canapés can sit alongside fresh fruits, cheeses, and charcuterie to create a stunning spread.

Adding elements like marinated olives, roasted nuts, or a tangy dip provides variety and ensures there’s something for everyone.

A Bite to Remember:

There’s no better way to set the tone for a gathering than with elegant appetisers that are as delicious as they are visually stunning.

These crab salad canapés are more than just food; they’re a conversation starter, a little moment of indulgence that brings people together.

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply savouring the joy of good company, these bites are sure to make the occasion unforgettable.

Cheers to creating memorable moments, one delicious bite at a time!

Crab Salad Sandwich

(Serves 8 Prep 15 Mins)

You Will Need:

Lavosh Crackers: Choose high-quality, thin, and crispy lavosh crackers. You can opt for plain, sesame, or rosemary-infused varieties to complement the flavours of the toppings. You could alternatively use jatz crackers.

Crab Meat: Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavour, crab taste (Catch of the day) or high-quality canned crab meat for convenience. Be sure to drain and pick through the meat to remove any shell fragments.

Lemon Zest: Finely grate the zest of a fresh lemon to add a bright, citrusy aroma that enhances the crab and balances the richness of the other ingredients.

Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice to add acidity and freshness. Avoid bottled juice for optimal flavour. You don’t want an overly ‘wet’ filling but you want to taste the lemon freshness.

Chilli Flakes: Add a pinch of dried chilli flakes for a subtle kick of heat. Adjust the quantity to suit your heat preference.

Brie: Choose a creamy, high-quality brie. The cheese helps bind all the other ingredients together so they won’t fall out of your ‘sandwich’.

Garlic Aioli: Use a homemade or store-bought garlic aioli to add a rich, garlicky creaminess. It can also serve as a base for layering the ingredients on the crackers.

Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan to add a nutty, umami flavour & another layer of salty goodness.

Coriander: Fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves bring a burst of herbal freshness. Use them sparingly to complement, not overpower, the other flavours.

Dill: Add sprigs of fresh dill for a fragrant, slightly sweet, and grassy flavour that pairs beautifully with the crab. You are not locked in, with regards to herbs, parsley, garlic chives or rocket could work.

Red Onion: The addition of red onion for a mild, sweet crunch. To reduce sharpness, soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes before use. You don’t want too much onion as it should be there to add to the dish, not take over the dish.

Salt: Use a flaky sea salt or Himalayan pink salt to enhance the natural flavours of the ingredients.

Green Onions (Garnish): Green onions add colour and yet another layer of flavour with a subtle oniony bite. Alternatively you could use chopped coriander, rocket or garlic chives as already mentioned.

Instructions

Prepare the Filling: Gather all the ingredients for the filling, (excluding the lavosh crackers and green onions) & add to a small food processor. Pulse the mixture until it reaches a coarse texture—you’re looking for a blend that holds together but still has some texture for a satisfying bite.

Portion the Mixture: Transfer the crab mixture to a bowl and divide it into 8 equal portions. You can use a spoon or small scoop to ensure consistency, making the portions easier to work with when assembling the appetisers.

Assemble the Crackers: Lay out half of the lavosh crackers on a clean surface. Scoop one portion of the crab filling onto each cracker, gently pressing it down to spread slightly but without overloading. Take another lavosh cracker and place it on top of the filling, pressing lightly to secure the “sandwich.”

Add the Final Touches: Arrange the crab cracker sandwiches on a serving platter. Garnish each sandwich with a sprinkle of chilli flakes for a touch of heat and finely sliced green onions for a pop of colour and freshness. Serve immediately to keep the crackers crisp and the flavours vibrant.

Serve & Enjoy!

Helpful Hints

• This appetiser is best assembled when ready to serve and served fresh to avoid soggy crackers.

• You want a bit of texture in your filling, so don’t over blend.

• The filling should have a creamy element to help hold all the ingredients together between the crackers.

• There are alternative crackers you could use, I personally like Lavosh crackers but you could use Jatz crackers, Vita wheat or even toasted bread.

Crab Salad Sandwich

Recipe

(Serves 8 Prep 15 mins)

Ingredients

• 16 Lavosh Crackers
• 220g Crab Meat 
• Zest of 1 Lemon
• Juice of 1 Lemon
• 1 tsp Chilli Flakes
• 200g Brie
• 2 Tbsp Garlic Aioli
• 2 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese
• 2 Tbsp Coriander
• 2 Tbsp Dill
• ½ small Red onion
• Pinch Sea Salt
• 1 Green Onion finely sliced (Garnish)

Method

1. Combine all the ingredients, except the crackers and green onions, in a small food processor. Blend until the mixture reaches a coarse texture.
2. Divide the crab mixture into 8 equal portions.
3. Place one portion of the filling onto a lavosh cracker, then top it with another cracker to create a sandwich.
4. Garnish with chilli flakes and green onions.

Serve & Enjoy!

Wine Pairing Suggestions

A few options to choose from but it needs to be a light wine, not a heavy or full-bodied wine.

Chardonnay (Unoaked or Lightly Oaked)

• Works well with the creamy brie and garlic aioli while balancing the delicate crab meat.
• Look for a bottle with citrus and mineral notes to complement the lemon zest and juice.

Sauvignon Blanc

• A classic pairing for seafood, its bright acidity and herbal notes echo the lemon, coriander, and dill.
• Its crisp nature refreshes the palate, countering the richness of the Parmesan and aioli.

Vermentino

• A light and zesty wine with floral and citrus undertones that enhance the crab and herbs.
• Its slight salinity mirrors the briny sweetness of crab meat.

Albariño

• Known for its vibrant acidity and stone fruit notes, Albariño harmonises beautifully with seafood and citrus flavours.

Prosecco

• Light, bubbly, and slightly sweet, Prosecco contrasts nicely with the heat of the chilli flakes and the creaminess of brie.
• Its effervescence lifts the dish, making it feel light and celebratory.

Champagne or Brut Sparkling Wine

• The high acidity cuts through the richness of aioli and cheese while complementing the crab’s delicate flavour.

Dry Rosé

• Its fruit-forward profile and crisp acidity pair well with the combination of seafood, citrus, and creamy elements.
• The subtle flavours won’t overpower the delicate crab.

Pinot Noir (Chilled)

• A versatile red with light tannins and fruity flavours that can complement the crab and earthy notes from Parmesan and dill.
• Chill it slightly to match the freshness of the dish.

Anna

Hey there, it's Anna! Anyone who knows me knows that I proudly wear the 'foodie' badge. Trying to select from a restaurant menu time & time again seems impossible- I want a taste of everything. It's precisely that, that got me into making canapés and appetisers for friends, family & colleagues so everyone could taste a bit of everything. It is truly possible for the average person, to make these delectable bites and take their next social occasion from average to stunning. Follow me at bitesizehostess.com and learn to cater for memorable events.