Mini Cornbread Crab Muffins
Mini Cornbread Crab Muffins are delicious bite-sized savory snacks combining moist, slightly sweet cornbread with the rich flavor of fresh crab meat. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or casual indulgence, these muffins offer a crunchy exterior and tender, flavorful center that’s easy to make and customizable to suit any taste or dietary preference.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini muffins 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup fresh lump crab meat
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (for a spicy warmth)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese (for cheesy twist)
- 1 teaspoon honey (for added sweetness)
- Diced jalapeños or chili flakes (for spicy kick)
- Fresh herbs: dill, parsley, or chives (for herb infusion)
- Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of muffins.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine cornmeal, all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour), baking powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture forms the dry base of your batter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter until smooth and homogenous.
- Combine the Mixtures: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins tender and light.
- Add Crab and Green Onions: Gently fold in fresh lump crab meat and chopped green onions, evenly distributing throughout the batter.
- Fill Muffin Tin and Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each well about 3/4 full. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to preserve crisp edges before serving.
Notes
- Use lump crab meat for best texture and flavor without fillers.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough muffins.
- Use room temperature ingredients to help batter combine evenly.
- Grease the muffin tin well with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Adding a teaspoon of honey balances the savory crab flavor beautifully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mini muffins
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: mini cornbread muffins, crab muffins, seafood appetizer, easy party snacks, southern comfort food, gluten-free crab muffins, savory snacks