Feeling crabby? Look no further.
Forgive our (many!) puns, but there's nothing about cooking with crab that makes us feel anything near crabby. And while you might think of crab only as a summertime staple (or the main component of our favorite crab cakes), crab is truly an all-year-round protein here to become a staple for dinners, appetizers, sides, and more. Regardless if you're hand-picking the crab yourself or using canned or imitation, these 18 crab recipes are beyond easy and will really fancy up any get-together. No crabbiness, guaranteed. 😉
There's a lot of competition for the best (shell)fish in the sea, but crab is certainly at the top of our list. While fresh crab legs are obviously ideal (we've got a handy guide on 5 ways to cook crab legs here), jumbo lump crab straight from the can is an excellent year-round alternative that's easy to grab from the store. Think about it: crab rangoon, crab-stuffed mushrooms, and hot crab dip are all things you can and (and should) make casually for a last-minute party or just a random Wednesday? You're going to want to stock up on some cans, that's for sure.
Crab is great for so much more than just snacks and appetizers too. Make a whole sushi night of it with our recipes for California rolls and spicy crab rolls, add them to our crab-stuffed avocados for a light dinner, or really live your crab cake-filled dreams with our crab cake burgers. Looking to really impress at dinnertime? Our Viet-Cajun boil is a feast for the eyes and a literal feast in itself!
1
Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
In the world of fancy appetizers, the crab-stuffed mushroom reigns supreme, but don't stop there. Transform crab-stuffed mushrooms into a dinner-worthy entrée by using portobello mushrooms instead of cremini. For a twist on this classic, check out our next.
Get the Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms recipe.
2
Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are an appetizer staple at fancy seafood restaurants, but they're actually surprisingly easy to make at home! Ready in 30 minutes, this is the perfect easy appetizer to serve up when you want to feel transported to a seaside escape.
Get the Crab Cakes recipe.
3
Crab-Stuffed Avocado
If you thought mini crab cakes would make your brunch feel fancy, wait until your guests see these crab-stuffed avocados. Stuffed into a halved avocado and served with plantain chips, this is crab salad, elevated.
Get the Crab-Stuffed Avocado recipe.
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4
Crab Rangoon
Crab rangoon is a bit of a sleeper hit in the world of Chinese-American appetizers. They're basically little pockets of cheesy crab dip wrapped up in a crispy wonton shell. What's not to love?
Get the Crab Rangoon recipe.
5
Spicy Crab Rolls
This spicy crab sushi roll utilizes inexpensive imitation crab, called surimi, to create the beloved creamy and piquant roll. If you’ve got fresh crab on hand—lucky you!—it would be delicious in surimi’s place.
Get the Spicy Crab Rolls recipe.
6
Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are the best because you get all the deliciousness of crab without all of the tedious, messy work of pulling meat from the shells. Since you're already skipping that mess, go even further and skip the pan-fry too, and make 'em in your air fryer.
Get the Air Fryer Crab Cakes recipe.
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7
Sushi Bake
This easy casserole is the perfect entry point for trying your hand at making sushi at home or introducing sushi to picky kiddos. It’s exactly like your favorite spicy roll, but with extra toppings, like creamy sliced avocado, cucumber, and plenty of sriracha.
Get the Sushi Bake recipe.
8
Crab Cake Egg Rolls
These two-bite beauties combine the decadence of a crab cake, and the crisp-chewy texture of your favorite take-out egg rolls all into one platter-friendly package.
Get the Crab Cake Egg Rolls recipe.
9
She-Crab Soup
Similar to a crab bisque, this creamy soup comes to us from the South Carolina low-country. Thick, rich, and loaded with crab flavor, it promises to take you to Charleston in less time than it takes you to clean your bowl.
Get the She-Crab Soup recipe.
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10
Crab Artichoke Dip
This dip takes classic spinach and artichoke dip and turns it up a notch by adding flavorful, rich crab. Not only extremely decadent, this cheesy crab dip is surprisingly easy. It comes together in just 35 minutes!
Get the Crab Artichoke Dip recipe.
11
Crab Meat Salad
Don't sleep on crab meat salad! While it might not get all the attention it deserves, this hearty "salad" will be a hit at any lunch potluck. Get the crackers ready ASAP.
Get the Crab Meat Salad recipe.
12
Viet-Cajun Boil
Fusing Vietnamese flavors with the art of the Cajun crawfish boil, Vietnamese-Cajun is perhaps one of the greatest new American cuisines of the 21st century, and this Viet-Cajun boil is proof.
Get the Viet-Cajun Boil recipe.
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13
Hot Crab Dip
Okay we'll say it: Hot crab dip belongs in the party dip hall of fame. Packed with melty cheese and sweet, tender crab meat, this rich dip is the perfect opener to any casual game day celebration or dinner party.
Get the Hot Crab Dip recipe.
14
Crab Cake Bites
Turn the classic seafood dish into the cutest bite-sized app with these crab cake bites. Ready in a little over 30 minutes, these bites are the easiest way to add the fancy factor to your party, whether you're planning your Christmas dinner or New Year's bash.
Get the Crab Cake Bites recipe.
15
Best California Roll
Just getting into sushi? California rolls are the perfect place to start. No raw fish is required—just imitation crab—which is typical for this type of roll. All you need is a sushi mat, and you're ready to roll! 😉
Get the Best California Roll recipe.
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16
How To Cook Crab Legs
Snow crab legs are one of life's greatest luxuries, but their high price can make preparing them at home feel a little daunting. No more! Dig out your crab cracker, because with these tried-and-true cooking methods, you'll be feeling fancy in a matter of minutes.
Get the How To Cook Crab Legs recipe.
17
Crab Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms
We'd venture to say stuffed mushrooms are one of the world's best party snacks along with the old standbys deviled eggs & pigs in a blanket. This version is even MORE irresistible with the addition of sweet, tender crab, fresh scallions, and rich cream cheese.
Get the Crab Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms recipe.
18
Crab Bisque
Forget lobster bisque—this is where it's at. What even is crab bisque, you might be asking? It's an old-school creamy soup that's perfect for a special occasion. Spoiler: It's also easy as hell.
Get the Crab Bisque recipe.
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19
Crab Cake Burgers
There's nothing to be crabby about with these burgers, which are basically our dream come true: an XL version of a crab cake. Could this be the most brilliant hybrid meal ever? We think so.
Get the Crab Cake Burgers recipe.
20
Slow-Cooker Crab Dip
We LOVE this dip with Ritz crackers, but slices of French bread or pita chips would also be delicious. If you’d like to go a healthier route, sliced cucumber or celery sticks are the way to go.
Get the Slow-Cooker Crab Dip recipe.
Mackenzie Filson
Mackenzie Filson is a food writer and contributing digital food producer at Delish. Her favorite ice cream flavor is chocolate-pine. If wine was an astrological sign she'd be a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. She's never met a bag of Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos she didn't eat in one sitting.