Quick + Spicy Warm Crab Bruschetta Appetizer
This Spicy Warm Crab Bruschetta is so quick to make and is buttery + garlicky with a smoky heat. It’s a great appetizer when you want to fancy things up but keep it easy! (Adapted from Petits Gratins de Crabe Au Vin Blanc by Julia Child.)
Ingredients
- 8 slices ciabatta, ½-inch thick (or other crusty bread)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, halved
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoon shallots, minced
- 1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley, mince
- ¾ teaspoon Calabrian chili paste (see note), or more, if you like spicy
- kosher salt + fresh cracked black pepper
- ⅓ cup dry vermouth
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- 8 ounce crab meat, lump or claw (your preference), pick over + discard shells + cartilage
- 8 slices ripe tomato
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Brush one side of each bread slice with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Rub each slice with the cut garlic cloves.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. When it starts to bubble, add the minced shallot, parsley, and Calabrian chili paste; season with a pinch of salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Cook for a minute.
- Add the dry vermouth and simmer until much of the liquid has evaporated; you want just a thin layer of liquid to cover the bottom of the skillet. Add the lemon juice + gently fold in the crab meat; cook until warmed through.
- To assemble, place a slice of tomato on the bread, then top with warm crab.
Video
Notes
If you can’t find Calabrian chili paste, use red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a few dashes of hot sauce. Always start with a little and taste so you don’t overwhelm with heat. You can omit if you don't like spicy food.
Nutrition
Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 421mg | Potassium: 140mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 450IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.3mg
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