Fellow food enthusiasts, I cannot wait to share this recipe with you. As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, I have found the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this Southern Style Crab Grilled Cheese Melt Recipe.

When it comes to grilled cheese, who can resist a perfectly melty, buttery sandwich? But what if we take it up a notch with the addition of succulent crab meat and a blend of savory spices? Trust me, once you sink your teeth into this crab grilled cheese, there’s no going back to a plain old grilled cheese sandwich.

This recipe is especially dear to my heart because it’s inspired by the seafood-rich culture of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. A true Southern classic dish with a twist that will exceed your taste buds as you dive into each bite.

So come on, grab your aprons and let’s dive right into making this Southern Style Crab Grilled Cheese Melt.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Do you ever crave something that’s indulgent but doesn’t take forever to make? Something that’s both comforting and exciting? Then you’ll definitely love this Southern Style Crab Grilled Cheese Melt recipe – it’s just what you need to satisfy all of your cravings!

Let me tell you why this dish is a must-try. First, who doesn’t love a good grilled cheese sandwich? It’s the ultimate comfort food, right up there with mac and cheese and chicken noodle soup. But this recipe takes things to the next level by adding creamy, savory crab meat. Imagine biting into a hot and gooey sandwich, only to discover that there’s an extra layer of richness and flavor tucked inside.

And don’t worry – this isn’t some fancy gourmet snack that requires extensive culinary skills or rare ingredients. You can whip up these melts in no time with common items from your fridge and pantry: sharp cheddar cheese, sourdough bread, mayonnaise, butter, green onions, and celery are just a few examples. The only “exotic” items might be pepper vinegar and Old Bay seasoning, but let me assure you that these southern staples are easily available at your local grocery store or online.

In summary, if you’re looking for a quick and tasty lunch or snack that’s packed with texture and taste – look no further than this Southern Style Crab Grilled Cheese Melt recipe. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

Ingredient List

A gooey and crispy grilled cheese with a southern twist

To make this Southern Style Crab Grilled Cheese Melt at home, you will need:

8 slices of sourdough bread: Sourdough bread adds a tangy flavor to this grilled cheese melt.
1/4 cup mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is blended with crab meat to create a creamy crab mixture.
1 tbsp dijon mustard: Dijon mustard gives the sandwich a tangy taste.
1 tsp lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a fresh and zesty flavor to the creamy crab filling.
1 cubanelle pepper, seeded and finely diced: Cubanelle peppers are light green and mild in flavor.
2 celery stalks, finely diced: Celery adds crunch to the sandwich.
1 bunch green onions, sliced: Green onions add an oniony and mild garlicy taste to the sandwich.
8 oz. cooked crab meat: Use fresh or canned crab meat for this recipe. Lump crab meat is recommended as it provides a better texture.
4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese pairs well with the sweetness of the crab meat.
2 tbsp butter at room temperature: Butter is generously spread on the sourdough bread for grilling.
1/4 tsp paprika: Paprika enhances the flavor of the crab filling.
1/4 tsp black pepper: Black pepper gives the melt some heat.
Optional: Old bay seasoning or other seafood seasoning can be added to the crab mixture or sprinkled on top of the sandwich for extra flavor.

Make sure to double-check if you have all these cheese ingredients before cooking!

The Recipe How-To

Rich and creamy crab meat sandwiched between two slices of bread

Once you’ve assembled all the ingredients listed in (3) Ingredient List, it is time to put them together and create this scrumptious southern-style crab grilled cheese melt. Follow these simple steps to make your very own cheesy delight:

Step 1: Make the Crab Filling
– Begin by combining 8 slices of crab meat, 1/4 cup finely diced celery, 1/4 cup finely sliced green onions, 1/2 cubanelle pepper, seeded and finely diced, and 2 tsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice in a medium bowl.
– Now add 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp. of pepper vinegar and mix well.
– Add a dash of salt and black pepper to taste along with a pinch of paprika.

Step 2: Prepare the Grilled Cheese
– Take 4 slices of sourdough bread and butter one side of each slice.
– Once your pan is hot, place two slices of bread buttered-side down in the pan.
– Add a generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese on top of each slice. Now add the crab filling on top of one slice, then add more cheese on top of the crab filling. Place the other slice of bread on top with the buttered side facing up.

Step 3: Grill the Sandwiches
– Cook the gourmet grilled cheese for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy, making sure that the cheese melts well.

Congratulations! You’ve made your own delicious Southern Style Crab Grilled Cheese Melt sandwich. This sandwich poise as an excellent meal for any time of day or any occasion.

Substitutions and Variations

Grilled cheese has never tasted so luxurious

As with any recipe, there are always opportunities for substitutions and variations based on personal preferences or ingredient availability. For this particular dish, Southern Style Crab Grilled Cheese Melt, there are several options to consider.

First, the type of cheese used can be varied to achieve different flavors and textures. While sharp cheddar cheese is recommended in the recipe for its intense flavor, other varieties such as Gouda, Colby-Jack, or even blue cheese could be used as well. Experimenting with different cheeses can take this already flavorful sandwich to new heights.

For those who may not have access to fresh crab meat, canned or imitation crab meat can be substituted instead. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly from fresh crab meat. Additionally, lump crab meat can also be used in place of the shredded crab meat called for in the recipe.

For a spicy kick, hot pepper jelly or a few dashes of hot sauce can be added to the mixture before topping the sandwich with the second slice of bread. This will give a unique heat that complements the creamy crab mixture perfectly.

Lastly, for those who prefer an open-faced sandwich or want to add some crispy texture, try broiling the sandwiches until they are golden brown and bubbly. This technique will produce a satisfying crunch while also allowing you to better see and enjoy all of your delicious fillings.

In conclusion, these substitutions and variations allow for a personalized grilled cheese experience that takes inspiration from Southern-style cuisine and beyond. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own favorite combination of flavors in this already delicious recipe.

Serving and Pairing

High quality crab meat makes all the difference

This Southern Style Crab Grilled Cheese Melt Recipe is the perfect comfort food for cold, wintry days. Serve it piping hot with a side of tomato soup or a light garden salad to round out your meal. The sandwich itself pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something different, consider serving this crab melt sandwich open-faced, drizzled with a smoky hot pepper jelly that will tantalize your taste buds. It also pairs well with creamy Dijon mustard and tangy pepper vinegar.

For those who love seafood, try pairing your crab grilled cheese melt with a seafood chowder or gumbo. You can even add slices of avocado to give the sandwich a little extra zing. Another great option is to make this melt recipe into bite-sized appetizers by cutting them into quarters and pairing them with a light Pinot Grigio.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving and pairing Southern Style Crab Grilled Cheese Melt Recipe. Whether for brunch, lunch or dinner, this dish will leave you satisfied and craving more.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Southern comfort food with a seafood twist

Southern-style Crab Grilled Cheese Melt can be made ahead of time and stored easily for later use. Simply follow the recipe instructions to prepare your sandwiches, allow them to cool down completely, and then wrap each sandwich in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

To reheat the grilled cheese, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the wrapped sandwich on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the bread is crispy. For a crispier crust, you may also consider reheating it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a touch of butter.

If you plan on making a big batch of these grilled cheese sandwiches, you can also freeze them for later use. Once wrapped, place them into a freezer-safe bag or container and label with the date. These sandwiches can be stored in the freezer for up to two weeks.

When reheating frozen grilled cheese sandwiches, you will want to let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as per instructions mentioned above.

One of my favorite tips is to make sure that when reheating, use only low heat because high heat will melt the cheese too quickly changing the texture and taste of your perfect crab grilled cheese melt sandwich.

So whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for an easy lunch option, this Southern Style Crab Grilled Cheese Melt Recipe is perfect for making ahead!

Tips for Perfect Results

Just one bite and you'll be hooked — Just one bite and you’ll be hooked

Achieving the perfect Southern Style Crab Grilled Cheese Melt Recipe requires attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Follow these tips to ensure your grilled cheese sandwich is mouth-watering, crispy, and flavorful.

1. Go for quality cheese ingredients:

To get the signature flavor of a great grilled cheese crab melt, high-quality ingredients are essential. Use sharp cheddar cheese, preferably that with a good fat content for superior melting capabilities. Also, a great homemade or store-bought mayonnaise will serve as an excellent binder for the crab meat and add creamy texture to the melt.

2. Use fresh crab meat:

When it comes to making your Crab Grilled Cheese Melt Sandwich recipe, fresh crab meat is essential to ensure complete flavor immersion. Look for canned or fresh lump crab meat for this recipe. Imitation crab can work in a pinch, but nothing beats the sweet tenderness of real crab.

3. Preheat your skillet properly:

Preheat your skillet over medium heat for at least five minutes before getting started with the cooking process oiled with butter bread slices. A preheated skillet ensures even distribution of heat during cooking and helps to prevent cold spots that could affect the taste and texture of your Southern style Crab Grilled Cheese sandwich.

4. Choose Sourdough Bread:

Sourdough bread makes an excellent platform for the Crab Meat Cheese Melt Sandwich recipe since it has great flavor, texture, and holds up well against high temperatures. It is better suited than other bread varieties like white bread when it comes to taking on butter without becoming soggy.

5. Butter your bread:

For flavoring purposes, butter your bread before grilling it. The best way to do this is by using room temperature butter added all over each slice of bread before putting them on the pan.

In conclusion, following these tips will result in you creating one of the best grilled sandwiches with a perfect Southern flare twist.

FAQ

Before we wrap things up, let’s dig into some frequently asked questions. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, these FAQs will help you troubleshoot any potential issues that might arise while making our Southern Style Crab Grilled Cheese Melt Recipe. So, let’s get started, shall we?

What is the best cheese for grilled cheese?

When it comes to selecting cheese for your Southern-style dishes, there are plenty of options to choose from. You might want to consider using goat cheese, Havarti, Swiss, sharp cheddar, Muenster, provolone or even pepper jack. If you are looking for a cheese that is versatile and smooth, mozzarella can be a great choice. And for those who prefer a cheese that is more mild in flavor and texture, American cheese could be just the ticket. Regardless of what you choose, each cheese can bring its own unique taste and texture to your dish.

Now, let’s talk about the recipe. Today, I will be sharing the secret to making a perfectly crisp, Southern-style fried chicken. To make this dish zing, you will need a few key ingredients: bone-in chicken pieces, all-purpose flour, cornmeal, buttermilk, eggs, and your cheese of choice. Here’s how to get started:

Firstly, prepare your chicken by washing it thoroughly and patting it dry. Then, in a mixing bowl, whisk together your buttermilk, eggs, and a pinch of salt. This will create your wet mixture for the chicken.

Now, in a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, and your preferred cheese, ensuring the mixture is well blended. The cheese will add a delectable depth of flavor and texture to the coating.

Next, it’s time to bread the chicken. Dip each piece of chicken into the wet mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off, before coating it in the dry mixture. Make sure that the chicken is well coated on all sides.

Once your chicken is coated, it’s time to fry it. Start by heating up your frying oil of choice (canola or peanut oil are great options) in a Dutch oven or deep frying pan. Make sure the oil is hot enough to make the chicken sizzle but not too hot that it burns the coating.

Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil and let it cook until the coating turns golden brown and the chicken is cooked thoroughly. Make sure to turn the chicken occasionally to ensure that it cooks evenly. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and set it on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

And there you have it, a mouthwateringly tasty Southern-style fried chicken dish. Serve with your favorite sides, such as buttery cornbread or creamy mashed potatoes, and enjoy!

What’s the difference between a grilled cheese and a cheese melt?

There is a distinguishable difference between a grilled cheese sandwich and a melt. A grilled cheese sandwich is composed purely of cheese, whilst a melt contains meat such as a tuna melt or a patty melt.

How do you pimp grilled cheese?

Give your grilled cheese sandwich a tasty upgrade by incorporating flavorful ingredients such as chutney, pepper jelly, tomato jam or bacon jam. These condiments are guaranteed to completely transform the taste of a traditional grilled cheese sandwich. According to Werlin, incorporating any jam, chutney or mustard to your sandwich can add a unique and delicious aspect to it.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this Southern Style Crab Grilled Cheese Melt Recipe is a must-try for any seafood lover who enjoys a good grilled cheese sandwich. It’s an easy-to-make yet indulgent meal that will have you coming back for more. The combination of creamy crab meat and tangy cheddar cheese, along with the perfect blend of seasoning and spices, creates a flavor explosion in your mouth that you won’t forget.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special treat for yourself, this recipe will not disappoint. So go ahead and give it a try! You’ll love the deliciousness of the crab meat combined with the savory old bay seasoning and sharp cheddar cheese. I highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to add some Southern spice to their meals. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

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