Name: Creamy Cheddar Crab Melt Sandwich
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation); 2–3 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 green onions, finely chopped; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 4 slices white or sourdough bread; 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or 1 cup shredded); Butter, for toasting; Optional: hot sauce, Old Bay seasoning, chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

This creamy cheddar crab melt sandwich is rich, cheesy, and packed with savory crab flavor. It’s the kind of warm, toasty sandwich I turn to when I want something a little indulgent but still easy to throw together. With a creamy crab filling, sharp melted cheddar, and golden toasted bread, every bite is satisfying and full of comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this sandwich because it’s quick to make and tastes like something special from a seaside café. The creamy filling comes together in minutes, and once it’s layered with cheddar and broiled until bubbly, the result is pure comfort food. It’s perfect for lunch, a casual dinner, or even a weekend brunch when I want something warm, melty, and full of flavor. Creamy Cheddar Crab Melt Sandwich

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
Mayonnaise
Dijon mustard
Lemon juice
Worcestershire sauce
Green onions, finely chopped
Salt
Black pepper
White or sourdough bread slices
Sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded
Butter (for toasting)
Optional: hot sauce, Old Bay seasoning, fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

I start by mixing the crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, green onions, salt, and pepper in a bowl until creamy and well combined.
I butter one side of each bread slice and place them butter-side down on a baking sheet.
I spread a generous scoop of the crab mixture on each slice of bread.
I top the crab filling with cheddar cheese—either sliced or shredded.
I broil the sandwiches in the oven for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the bread is toasted.
I remove from the oven and garnish with parsley or a dash of hot sauce if I want extra kick.
I serve them warm, open-faced or closed, depending on how melty I want them.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2–4 sandwiches.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add sliced tomatoes under the cheese or use Swiss or Gruyère instead of cheddar for a different flavor. I’ve also made it on English muffins for a crab melt twist on eggs Benedict, or turned the filling into a dip and served it with toasted baguette slices. If I want to stretch the recipe, I mix in a little chopped celery or bell pepper for crunch.

storage/reheating

I store any leftover crab mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I assemble and toast fresh when I’m ready to eat again. To reheat a finished sandwich, I warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through and the cheese is melty again—about 8–10 minutes. Creamy Cheddar Crab Melt Sandwich

FAQs

Can I use canned crab?

Yes, I often use good-quality canned crab when fresh isn’t available. I drain it well and pick through for shells before using.

What bread works best for this sandwich?

I usually go with sourdough or hearty white bread—something sturdy enough to hold the filling and crisp up nicely under the broiler.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, I mix the crab filling up to a day in advance and keep it chilled until I’m ready to assemble and broil.

Is this sandwich very rich?

It is, but in the best way. The lemon juice and Dijon help cut through the richness, and I can serve it with a light salad to balance the meal.

Can I serve it cold?

The filling can be served cold as a crab salad on its own, but I prefer it hot and melty when making sandwiches.

Conclusion

Creamy cheddar crab melt sandwiches are warm, indulgent, and packed with flavor. With tender crab, melty cheddar, and crisp toasted bread, they hit all the right notes when I want something cozy and delicious. It’s a quick meal that feels a little fancy—and one I always look forward to making again.