Description
Spicy Cajun Crab Poppers are a delicious fusion of spicy jalapeños and flavorful crab filling, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 large jalapeño peppers
- 7 ounces lump crabmeat, picked over for shells
- 3.5 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Halve the jalapeños lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes using a small spoon. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, minced garlic, fresh parsley, lemon zest, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Gently fold in the crabmeat until just combined, being careful not to break up the lump pieces.
- Spoon the crab mixture evenly into each jalapeño half, mounding the filling slightly.
- Mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until resembling wet sand, then distribute over each filled popper.
- Arrange the poppers on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Wear gloves while handling jalapeños to avoid irritation.
- For a spicier kick, leave some seeds in the jalapeños.
- These poppers can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg