Maryland Eastern Shore Crab Toast on the Grill

Introduction

Maryland Eastern Shore Crab Toast is a delicious and easy-to-make grilled dish that will impress any seafood lover. This recipe focuses on achieving the perfect balance between creamy crab dip and crispy, golden-brown toast, using the Arteflame grill for the ultimate taste and texture.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lump crab meat
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• 4 thick slices of artisan bread
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them inside the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins and light the paper.
3. Allow the fire to build up for about 20 minutes until the grill is ready for cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the crab dip

1. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, lemon juice, and hot sauce.
2. Gently fold in the lump crab meat, making sure not to break up the chunks.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Grill the bread

1. Brush both sides of the bread slices with melted butter.
2. Place the bread on the outer section of the Arteflame griddle to toast gently.
3. Flip the bread once it becomes golden brown and crisp on one side.

Step 4: Assemble the crab toast

1. Spread a generous amount of crab dip onto each toasted bread slice.
2. Place the crab-covered bread back onto the griddle, closer to the hotter center, for a few minutes until the dip is bubbly and slightly golden on top.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

1. Remove the crab toast from the grill.
2. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of fresh flavor.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips

• Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust the heat zone on the Arteflame griddle to control the browning of the toast and the melting of the crab dip.
• If you like extra crunch, grill the bread a little longer before adding the crab dip.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for that perfect citrusy zing.

Variations

1. Spicy Crab Toast: Add extra hot sauce and diced jalapeños to the crab dip for a fiery twist.
2. Cheesy Crab Toast: Top with an extra layer of mozzarella before grilling for a gooier experience.
3. Herb-Infused Crab Toast: Mix in fresh herbs like basil, chives, or dill for an elevated complexity.
4. Bacon Crab Toast: Add crispy crumbled bacon into the crab mix for a smoky contrast.
5. Garlic Butter Crab Toast: Brush the bread with garlic-infused butter before toasting for a rich, aromatic touch.

Best Pairings

• A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
• Fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette
• Grilled asparagus or corn on the cob
• Old Bay-seasoned fries

Conclusion

Maryland Eastern Shore Crab Toast is an outstanding grilled appetizer or main dish that celebrates the flavors of fresh crab. Using the Arteflame grill allows for precise heat control, ensuring the perfect balance of crisp toast and creamy topping. Try this recipe for an unforgettable seafood experience.