Hot Crab Pinwheels

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Introduction

Hot Crab Pinwheels are a delightful, savory appetizer that’s sure to impress at any gathering. These warm, bite-sized treats are filled with a creamy, flavorful crab mixture, wrapped in soft tortillas, and baked until golden and crispy. Perfect for serving at parties, family gatherings, or as a special treat, Hot Crab Pinwheels combine the rich flavor of crab with creamy cheese and seasonings, creating a dish that is both indulgent and comforting. These pinwheels are easy to make, pack a punch of flavor, and can be served as finger food or paired with a dipping sauce.

Perfect for:

  • Appetizers
  • Game day parties
  • Holiday gatherings
  • Seafood lovers
  • Finger food events

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Hot Crab Pinwheels will become your go-to appetizer:

  • Creamy, Savory Filling: A rich blend of crab, cheese, and seasonings creates the perfect filling for these pinwheels.
  • Crispy and Warm: After baking, the tortillas turn golden and crispy on the outside, while the inside remains soft and creamy.
  • Seafood Flavors: These pinwheels feature sweet, tender crab meat, making them a perfect choice for seafood lovers.
  • Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare these in advance and bake them right before serving, making them perfect for parties.
  • Simple Ingredients: With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a crowd-pleasing dish that looks and tastes amazing.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 12-15 pinwheels
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories per pinwheel
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Hot Crab Pinwheels:

For the Pinwheels:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 cups crab meat (cooked, shredded, and drained)
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture to the filling.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Provides a savory and sharp contrast to the creamy elements.
  • Crab Meat: Use fresh or canned crab meat for a tender and flavorful filling.
  • Mayonnaise: Binds the filling and enhances the creaminess.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, fresh note to balance the richness of the crab.
  • Garlic and Onion Powder: Essential for giving the filling depth and savory flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Hot Crab Pinwheels:

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Mix the Cream Cheese and Cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add Seasonings and Crab Meat: Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and crab meat. Mix until well combined.
  3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a little more lemon juice or Worcestershire sauce for extra tang.

Assemble the Pinwheels:

  1. Spread the Filling: Lay the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Evenly spread the crab mixture over each tortilla, covering it all the way to the edges.
  2. Roll the Tortillas: Starting from one edge, tightly roll up the tortillas with the crab mixture inside. Try to roll as evenly as possible to ensure the pinwheels cook uniformly.
  3. Chill the Pinwheels (Optional): For easier slicing, you can refrigerate the rolled tortillas for 10-15 minutes before cutting. This helps them firm up.

Bake the Pinwheels:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the Pinwheels: Slice each rolled tortilla into 1-inch wide pinwheels using a sharp knife.
  3. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  4. Bake: Bake the pinwheels for 10-15 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy. You can turn them halfway through to ensure they bake evenly.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for a minute or two before serving.
  2. Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve with a side of dipping sauce such as ranch, cocktail sauce, or a squeeze of lemon.

How to Serve

  • With a Side of Dipping Sauce: Serve with ranch, cocktail sauce, or garlic butter for extra flavor.
  • On a Party Platter: Arrange the pinwheels on a platter with other appetizers like veggies or crackers.
  • For Game Day or Parties: Perfect finger food for casual get-togethers or special occasions.
  • As an Appetizer: Serve as a starter before a main course for a light, satisfying beginning to a meal.

Additional Tips

  • Use Fresh Crab Meat: Fresh crab meat will give these pinwheels a sweeter, more delicate flavor, but canned crab works as well for convenience.
  • Add Veggies: For extra crunch, you can add finely chopped celery, bell pepper, or green onion to the filling.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the pinwheels and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking for convenience.
  • Baking Variations: For a different flavor, sprinkle some shredded Parmesan cheese on top of the pinwheels before baking for an added cheesy crust.

Recipe Variations

  1. Spicy Crab Pinwheels: Add a touch of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
  2. Lemon Garlic Crab Pinwheels: Increase the garlic and lemon juice for a more pronounced citrusy and garlicky flavor.
  3. Veggie Crab Pinwheels: Add chopped spinach, bell peppers, or green onions for extra texture and flavor.
  4. Cheesy Crab Pinwheels: Incorporate extra cheese like mozzarella or cream cheese for a cheesier filling.
  5. Gluten-Free Crab Pinwheels: Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: These pinwheels can be frozen before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra few minutes to the baking time.
  • Storage: Store leftover baked pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Special Equipment

  • Electric mixer (optional, for mixing filling)
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Sharp knife for slicing

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use imitation crab meat? Yes, imitation crab can be used as a more affordable alternative.
  2. Can I prepare these in advance? Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.
  3. Can I bake these without rolling them up? You can bake the crab mixture in a casserole dish for a different take on the dish.
  4. What can I serve with these pinwheels? Serve with a side of fresh veggies, dipping sauces, or a fresh salad.
  5. Can I make these ahead of time for a party? Yes, prepare them the day before, then bake them the day of your event.

Conclusion

These Hot Crab Pinwheels are the ultimate appetizer for any occasion. Bursting with rich, savory crab and a creamy filling, they’re perfectly rolled up in a flaky, golden crust. Each bite is a delicious combination of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.

Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a casual meal, or simply craving a tasty snack, these pinwheels are sure to impress. They’re easy to make and even easier to devour, making them the perfect crowd-pleaser for any event.

I’d love to see how your Hot Crab Pinwheels turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!

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