Garlic Butter Crab Toasts are crispy baguette slices topped with tender lump crab gently tossed in rich garlic butter, fresh herbs, and bright lemon. Elegant yet effortless, these seafood toasts are perfect for parties, holidays, or special dinners. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible, and they come together quickly, making them a go-to appetizer in my kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Crab Toasts
This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and offers several reasons to fall in love with it. First, the buttery garlic flavor complements the sweet lump crab perfectly, creating a decadent taste experience. Second, it’s a simple Garlic Butter Crab Toast recipe that can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Third, these toasts are gluten-free, allowing everyone at your gathering to enjoy them. Fourth, they are versatile enough for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or a cozy dinner. Fifth, the fresh lemon juice and herbs add a delightful brightness, enhancing the overall flavor. Lastly, they can be customized with various toppings, making them suitable for Garlic Butter Crab Toasts for parties or intimate meals.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Crab Toasts
Gather these items:
- 8 oz lump crab meat, carefully picked over
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Extra chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
How to Make Garlic Butter Crab Toasts Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Bake 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until lightly golden and crisp.
- Step 2: Melt butter and stir in garlic. Let sit for 1 minute to infuse. Gently combine crab, garlic butter, parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Spoon crab mixture evenly onto toasted baguette slices, pressing gently so it stays in place.
- Step 4: Return to oven and bake for 6–8 minutes, just until heated through and fragrant.
- Step 5: Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Crab Toasts
Keep these in mind:
- Using fresh crab meat enhances the flavor significantly compared to canned options.
- Do not overcook the crab mixture; you want it heated through but not dry.
- For added flavor, consider sprinkling some chili flakes on top before serving for a spicy twist.
Best Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Crab Toasts
These toasts make for fantastic appetizers at gatherings. They pair beautifully with a crisp white wine or a refreshing cocktail. You can also serve them alongside a light salad to balance the richness of the crab and garlic butter. For a more casual option, consider serving them at a seafood-themed brunch or as part of a charcuterie board featuring assorted cheeses and olives, making them one of the best Garlic Butter Crab Toast ideas.
How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Crab Toasts
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the toasts on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until heated through. This method is better than using a microwave, which can make the bread chewy. This is also a great meal prep option, allowing you to enjoy these delicious bites at any time!
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Crab Toasts
What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Butter Crab Toasts?
The secret lies in using high-quality lump crab meat and ensuring the garlic butter is infused just right. This brings out the flavors beautifully and keeps the crab moist and tender.
Can I make Garlic Butter Crab Toasts ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the crab mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake the toasts just before serving for the best results.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Butter Crab Toasts?
To avoid dryness, be careful not to overbake the toasts. Monitor the oven closely, and remember that the crab mixture should be heated through but not dry.
Variations of Garlic Butter Crab Toasts You Can Try
There are many delicious variations to explore! Consider adding some cheese on top for a gourmet twist, or try a Gourmet Garlic Butter Crab Toast by incorporating a touch of truffle oil. For something unique, mix in some diced avocado for a creamy texture. Lastly, you can create a delicious Garlic Crab Toast variation by adding roasted red peppers or jalapeños for a kick. Enjoy experimenting with these options to find your favorite!
For more seafood inspiration, check out this corn crab bisque recipe or these crab stuffed portobello mushrooms.
For additional tips on cooking with crab, visit SeafoodSource for expert advice.
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Garlic Butter Crab Toasts: 5 Savory Seafood Delights
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Butter Crab Toasts are crispy baguette slices topped with tender lump crab gently tossed in rich garlic butter, fresh herbs, and bright lemon. Elegant yet effortless, these seafood toasts are perfect for parties, holidays, or special dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 oz lump crab meat, carefully picked over
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Extra chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Bake 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until lightly golden and crisp.
- Melt butter and stir in garlic. Let sit 1 minute to infuse. Gently combine crab, garlic butter, parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Spoon crab mixture evenly onto toasted baguette slices, pressing gently so it stays in place.
- Return to oven and bake 6–8 minutes, just until heated through and fragrant.
- Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 toast
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Crab Toasts, Seafood Appetizer, Crab Recipe











