Dinner

Famous Crab Bombs Recipe

Name: Famous Crab Bombs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat (fresh, picked over for shells); 1 piece egg, lightly beaten; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning; 1/2 tsp lemon juice (fresh); 1/4 cup crushed saltine crackers or plain breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional); Butter for greasing or topping (optional)

ByZoe Lane July 28, 2025July 28, 2025

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a showstopping seafood recipe that’s both elegant and impossibly easy, look no further than these Famous Crab Bombs. Packed with sweet, delicate jumbo lump crab and just enough seasoning to let its natural flavor shine, this dish delivers pure coastal comfort in every bite. It’s one of those recipes that you’ll share with friends, pass down to family, and always crave when you need a taste of the sea at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Famous Crab Bombs brings something special to the table. There are no fillers here, just a careful combination that enhances the beautiful crab and creates an irresistible, golden-crusted masterpiece.

Jumbo lump crab meat: Go for the freshest you can find. Its luscious texture and natural sweetness are the stars of this dish.
Egg (lightly beaten): Helps bind the crab bombs together without weighing them down.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang, making the mixture moist and rich.
Dijon mustard: Delivers a gentle bite and depth of flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: Brings a savory, umami punch that rounds out the flavor.
Old Bay seasoning: The classic spice blend for crab, lending the perfect balance of herbs and heat.
Lemon juice (fresh): A dash of brightness that wakes up all the flavors.
Crushed saltine crackers or plain breadcrumbs: Holds the mixture together while staying light. A gluten-free option works just as well!
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkles in a hint of color and freshness.
Butter for greasing or topping (optional): For a glossy, golden finish and extra richness.

How to Make Famous Crab Bombs

Step 1: Get Everything Ready

Start by gathering and preparing all your ingredients. Crack that egg, pick through your crab for sneaky shells, and chop your parsley. This makes the whole Famous Crab Bombs process smooth and stress free!

Step 2: Preheat and Prep

Fire up your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C). While it preheats, butter a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. A well-prepped pan keeps the crab bombs from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.

Step 3: Stir the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning. Give it a good mix so all those flavors meld beautifully and form the zesty backbone of your Famous Crab Bombs.

Step 4: Fold in the Crab

Now for the main event: carefully add the jumbo lump crab meat. Gently fold it in with a spatula or your hands—treat those big, gorgeous crab lumps with respect! The less you break them up, the more luxurious your crab bombs will be.

Step 5: Add Crackers and Herbs

Sprinkle in the crushed saltines or breadcrumbs, and if you’re feeling herby, the fresh parsley. Mix just enough to hold the mixture together. Don’t overwork it; the secret to perfect Famous Crab Bombs is keeping them tender, not dense.

Step 6: Shape and Arrange

Form the mixture into generous, rounded mounds—about four to six, depending on your preferred size. Set them gently into your prepared baking dish, leaving space for them to brown evenly.

Step 7: Butter Them Up

Top each crab bomb with a small pat of butter for extra flavor and gorgeous color. This step is optional, but it really takes these Famous Crab Bombs over the top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the Famous Crab Bombs are golden and just heated through. The kitchen will smell irresistible! Serve them hot for maximum enjoyment.

How to Serve Famous Crab Bombs

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a little extra Old Bay, or a few lemon wedges alongside. These simple garnishes not only make your Famous Crab Bombs look restaurant-worthy, but also add pops of flavor and color that brighten every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair these beauties with buttery corn on the cob, a crisp green salad, or classic coleslaw. Some folks love a warm dinner roll to help soak up any juices—total comfort food! The mild flavors of these sides let the crab shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Famous Crab Bombs as sliders on mini brioche buns with lettuce and a smear of garlic aioli, or nestle them on a platter of arugula for a party-ready appetizer. For a dramatic touch, plate them atop grilled lemon halves or individual seashells.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Famous Crab Bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. They’re just as tasty for lunch the next day, especially over a bed of greens.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange uncooked crab bombs on a tray, freeze until solid, then wrap individually and store in a freezer bag for up to two months. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To reheat cooked Famous Crab Bombs, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. This keeps the outside crispy and the inside soft—far better than the microwave!

FAQs

Can I use canned crab meat instead of fresh?

Fresh jumbo lump crab meat gives the best texture and flavor, but in a pinch, quality canned crab will work fine. Just be sure to drain and gently pat it dry before using.

Are Famous Crab Bombs gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the saltine crackers or breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. The taste and texture will be almost identical.

What’s the best way to keep them from falling apart?

Be gentle when mixing and shaping, and don’t add more cracker or breadcrumb than necessary. The mixture should hold together when mounded but not feel tight or packed.

Can I prepare Famous Crab Bombs in advance?

You sure can. Assemble the bombs, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. This makes them perfect for entertaining or easy weeknight dinners.

Do I have to use Old Bay seasoning?

Old Bay is classic, but if you can’t find it, make your own blend with paprika, celery salt, and black pepper. The essential thing is to keep the seasoning balanced so the crab remains the star.

Final Thoughts

If you want a recipe that feels special but is almost foolproof, you need to give Famous Crab Bombs a try. They deliver restaurant-quality results right from your own kitchen, and their simple elegance never fails to delight. Gather your friends, set the table, and get ready for rave reviews!