Mini Cornbread Crab Muffins
Mini Cornbread Crab Muffins combine the sweet, crumbly texture of golden cornbread with the delicate, savory flavor of fresh crab meat. Perfect as a bite-sized appetizer or party snack, these muffins bake quickly and offer a delicious balance of flavors that are easy to customize to your taste and dietary needs.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini muffins 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or use gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Optional spices: 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, or 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (dairy or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter (or plant-based alternative for dairy-free)
Main and Flavor Additions
- 1 cup fresh or canned crab meat
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives
- Optional variations: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese, diced jalapeños, fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and any optional seasonings like paprika or Old Bay to ensure even distribution.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs then whisk in the milk and melted butter until smooth and well combined.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
- Fold in crab meat and green onions: Carefully fold the crab meat and chopped green onions into the batter, distributing evenly without breaking up the delicate crab too much.
- Fill muffin tins: Spoon the batter into a greased or lined mini muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake until golden: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the muffins cool slightly before removing from the tin and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh or high-quality canned crab meat for best flavor and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure light and fluffy muffins.
- Preheat your oven to ensure proper rising and a golden crust.
- Grease the muffin tin well to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Serve the muffins warm for the best taste and texture experience.
- Prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, stirring gently before filling muffin tins.
- To make gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.
- For a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk and butter substitutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mini muffins
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cornbread, crab meat, appetizer, mini muffins, party snacks, gluten-free option, savory muffins