Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These King Crab Appetizers offer the perfect balance of rich flavor and texture. The light, flaky biscuit crust complements the creamy, cheesy crab filling, while the Worcestershire sauce and green onions add depth and a bit of bite. They’re simple to make, and the best part is, they can be prepared in advance and even frozen for later use. The savory crab flavor makes them feel luxurious, while their bite-sized form keeps them fun and easy to eat at parties or casual dinners.

Ingredients

2 (12-ounce) packages refrigerated biscuit dough
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (6-ounce) can crab meat, drained
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 pinch paprika

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease 12 tartlet pans.
Divide the biscuit dough in half and press each piece into the prepared tartlet pans. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, drained crab meat, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.
Spoon 1 teaspoon of the crab mixture into each tartlet, ensuring an even distribution.
Garnish with a pinch of paprika for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tartlet crusts are golden brown and the filling is bubbly and slightly browned on top.
Allow to cool slightly before serving. These tartlets also freeze wonderfully—just reheat before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Crab and Shrimp: For added seafood flavor, mix crab meat with cooked shrimp for a surf-and-turf twist.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the crab with chopped mushrooms or spinach for a delicious vegetarian option.
Spicy Crab: Add a bit of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture for a spicy kick.
Herb-Infused: Try adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the crab filling for an extra layer of freshness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: These tartlets freeze wonderfully! Simply bake, cool, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make King Crab Appetizers ahead of time?

Yes, these can be made ahead of time. Prepare and bake the tartlets, then store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Can I use imitation crab meat instead of real crab?

Yes, you can substitute imitation crab meat if needed. It will still work well in the recipe and provide a similar texture.

What can I serve with these appetizers?

These crab tartlets pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even a chilled glass of white wine or a cocktail like a mimosa.

How do I prevent the biscuit dough from getting soggy?

Make sure to bake the tartlet shells until golden and slightly crispy before adding the filling. The cream cheese mixture also helps prevent sogginess.

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap the Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses for other types such as mozzarella, Gruyère, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Are these appetizers spicy?

The recipe itself isn’t spicy, but you can add spices like cayenne pepper or paprika for heat. You can also use hot sauce or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Can I use a muffin tin instead of tartlet pans?

Yes, you can use a muffin tin if you don’t have tartlet pans. Just be sure to press the biscuit dough into the cups evenly and bake as directed.

How can I make these appetizers gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free biscuit dough as a substitute for regular biscuit dough to make these appetizers gluten-free.

Can I make these without the tartlet pans?

Yes, you can make them on a baking sheet using a silicone mat or parchment paper, just shape the dough into small circles and add the crab mixture on top.

How long can I store these King Crab Appetizers in the fridge?

You can store leftover crab tartlets in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture.

Conclusion

These King Crab Appetizers are perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to casual get-togethers. Their savory, creamy crab filling paired with the crispy, buttery biscuit crust makes them irresistibly delicious. With a simple prep and a few quick steps, you can create an appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests every time. Plus, they freeze wonderfully, so you can always have a batch ready to go for your next event!

King Crab Appetizers Recipe