Leftover Crab Recipes – 16 Tasty Ideas

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If you find yourself with some leftover crab and wonder what to do with it, you’re in luck. I’ve compiled a list of 15 delicious and easy leftover crab recipes that are sure to please! Whether you have Dungeness crab, blue crabs, snow crab, or king crab legs, these recipes are designed to make the most out of every precious bite.

My kids LOVE some shellfish. Crab legs in particular are their favorite “special” meal. When it comes to birthday dinner requests, this one makes the list almost every time.

When it comes to making crab legs we rarely have leftovers but when we do I don’t want them to go to waste so I like to use them to make one of these delicious leftover crab recipes.

1. Easy Crab Cakes

Combine jumbo lump crab meat with breadcrumbs, green onions, and Old Bay seasoning for a delightful crunch. Pan-fry until golden brown and serve with tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon and some delicious hush puppies.

2. Crab Salad Sandwich

For a light lunch or quick snack, whip up a refreshing crab salad using fresh lump crab meat, red onion, and a zesty dressing made with Dijon mustard and lemon zest. Pile it high on your favorite bread and enjoy the perfect crab salad sandwich.

3. Crab Pasta

Toss leftover crab meat with al dente pasta, olive oil, and a splash of white wine. Finish it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a pinch of red pepper for an extra kick.

4. Crab Melts

Mix crab meat with cream cheese, green onions, and red bell peppers, then spread it over slices of bread. Broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown for an irresistible treat.

5. Crab Imperial

Baked to perfection with a creamy mixture of mayo, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay seasoning, this dish is a star of the show at special occasions.

6. Crab Boil

Combine your favorite crab leftovers with corn, potatoes, and sausages for a hearty one-pot meal seasoned with Old Bay and a little bit of holiday magic.

7. Crab Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Upgrade your mac ‘n’ cheese game by adding in fresh lump crab meat. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish is a great option for a comforting main dish that’s a crowd-pleaser at any East Coast gathering.

8. Crab Dip

Revitalize your leftover crab meat by turning it into a creamy dip. Mix crab meat with sour cream, mayonnaise, and your favorite seasonings. Serve it with tortilla chips for a delightful appetizer that’s perfect for game nights or family gatherings.

9. Crab Salad

Create a refreshing crab salad using a mix of real crab, imitation crab meat, and fresh veggies. Toss it in a light dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of Dijon mustard. This recipe is a great way to use up a little bit of everything.

10. Leftover Crab Dip Stuffed Peppers

Transform your creamy dip into a stuffed pepper sensation. Hollow out red bell peppers and fill them with the crab mixture. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly, creating a delicious side dish or appetizer.

11. Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms

Mix jumbo lump crab meat with cream cheese, green onions, and a hint of Old Bay seasoning. Fill mushroom caps with this savory crab mixture, then bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown. These crab-stuffed mushrooms make for a fantastic starter at any gathering or a snack to eat up that leftover crab meat.

12. Crab Soup

Whip up a bowl of delicious crab soup with your leftover crab meat for the ultimate comfort food. This creamy soup is finished with a little sherry. Wondering what to serve with crab soup? I think it’s perfect for serving with crusty garlic bread or texas toast.

13. Crab and Red Pepper Pizza

Create a gourmet pizza using your leftover crab, red bell peppers, and a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and bake until the crust is golden brown. This pizza is a delicious way to enjoy crab in a whole new way.

14. Creamy Crab Pasta Salad

Make a refreshing pasta salad with a twist by adding chunks of crab meat. Toss it with a creamy dressing made with sour cream, Dijon mustard, and fresh parsley. This dish is a great option for a light lunch or side dish.

15. Crab Cake Sliders

For a delightful appetizer or a main dish at a party, turn your leftover crab into mini crab cake sliders. Top them with tartar sauce, a squeeze of lemon, and a little hot sauce for an irresistible bite-sized treat.

16. King Crab Legs Sauté

Give your leftover king crab legs new life by sautéing them in olive oil with garlic, red pepper flakes, and a splash of white wine. Serve them over a bed of linguine for a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for a busy night.