Cheesy Crab Bake Muffins

Featured in Ocean fresh catch of the day.

This rich and hearty crab bake turns simple ingredients into a tasty brunch centerpiece. Toasted muffins are topped with a savory three-cheese blend, spiced up with peppers and perfect for sharing.

alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Sun, 23 Mar 2025 14:02:14 GMT
A dish of baked shrimp smothered in melted cheese, garnished with parsley, with one shrimp pulled out of the dish. Pin it
A dish of baked shrimp smothered in melted cheese, garnished with parsley, with one shrimp pulled out of the dish. | tasteofsavor.com

The Crab Breakfast Bake blends seaside flavors with morning meal classics, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your guests. This tasty and straightforward dish feeds a dozen people, giving everyone a hearty helping, with maybe a little extra to go around!

What Makes This Dish So Special

This Crab Breakfast Bake won't disappoint with its layers of creamy, cheesy goodness topped with seafood flair. It's super easy to make, feeds a crowd, and mixes all the best breakfast and brunch tastes in one dish. Whether you're hosting a special event or Sunday gathering, it'll be a hit.

What You'll Need

  • Eggs: 8, whisked for a smooth foundation.
  • English muffins: 4, split in half for the bottom layer.
  • Crab meat: 120g, drained, for its gentle taste.
  • Cheeses: 100g each of Monterey Jack, Parmesan and Gruyère.
  • Yellow and red bell peppers: 1 each, diced up.
  • Heavy cream: 240ml, for that silky smooth texture.
  • Seasonings: Dijon mustard, mayo, Old Bay, lemon juice, black pepper, minced onion, chili and salt.
  • Parsley: Fresh, chopped for topping.

Step By Step Directions

Getting Ready
Butter a 33x23cm baking dish and warm your oven to 190°C.
Creating The Base
Mix mayo and mustard together. Spread this on the cut muffins. Place them in your dish, top with crab meat, sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning and drizzle with lemon juice.
Making The Mixture
In a big bowl, combine eggs, cheeses, peppers, cream, pepper, onion, chili and salt. Add more cream if it looks too thick.
Putting It All Together
Pour your mixture over the muffins and crab. Sprinkle extra Monterey Jack on top. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Finishing Touches
Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before dishing up.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this Crab Breakfast Bake with a bowl of fresh fruit, crispy bacon strips or mimosas for a complete brunch spread. The rich flavors work great with lighter sides like a green salad or arugula with citrus dressing.

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A baked dish with creamy topping, chunks of chicken, sauce, eggs and vegetables, topped with fresh parsley. | tasteofsavor.com

Tricks For The Best Results

Go for fresh crab meat for top-notch flavor. Don't rush the resting time after baking, as it helps the casserole firm up for clean slices. Tweak the seasonings to match your taste buds and pour in a bit more cream if your mixture seems too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I get this ready a day before?

You sure can prep the parts the day before, but put it all together and bake the same day. The muffins will soak up too much if left overnight.

→ How do I keep the bake from going soggy?

Make sure the crab meat is well-drained, and let the muffins air out a bit before using them.

→ Can I switch out the cheeses?

Absolutely, just pick melting cheeses. Stick to the same amounts for that great creamy texture.

→ How do I know when it’s done?

Stick a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. The top will be lightly browned, and the sides should hold together.

→ What should I serve with it?

A fresh green salad or grilled veggies work well. A squeeze of lemon adds a fresh touch too.

Crab Bake Muffins

A flavorful bake with crab meat, toasted muffins, three cheeses, and a creamy egg sauce featuring peppers and spices.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American-Fusion

Yield: 8 Servings (Makes 8 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 8 large eggs.
02 4 English muffins split in half.
03 1/2 lemon, juiced.
04 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese.
05 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese.
06 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
07 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard.
08 3 tablespoons mayonnaise.
09 1 tablespoon minced onion.
10 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning.
11 1 yellow bell pepper, diced.
12 1 red bell pepper, diced.
13 1 cup heavy cream.
14 2 teaspoons black pepper.
15 115 g of crab meat, drained.
16 Kosher salt to taste.
17 Red chili flakes as needed.
18 Fresh parsley for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 13x9-inch dish.

Step 02

Combine mustard with mayo. Spread this over the split muffins, set them in the dish, then top with crab, Old Bay, and a splash of lemon juice.

Step 03

Whisk together eggs, bell peppers, onion, all the cheeses, cream, and seasonings until smooth.

Step 04

Pour the egg mixture over the crab and muffins. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack on top.

Step 05

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 06

Let it sit 5-10 minutes, add parsley as a topping, and enjoy while warm.

Notes

  1. A hearty casserole with creamy cheese layers and the tender taste of crab, perfect for a brunch centerpiece.
  2. The English muffins soak up all the rich, creamy goodness for a soft yet flavorful base.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven.
  • 13x9-inch baking dish.
  • Large mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Shellfish (crab).
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy (cheese, cream).
  • Gluten (English muffins).
  • Mustard.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 32 g