Updated on October 5th, 2025
There’s something comforting about this crab grilled cheese recipe that makes it even better than the usual. The mix of tender crab, mayonnaise, lemon zest, and green onions gives this sandwich a fresh and flavorful twist without making it complicated. Melted Swiss cheese brings everything together with a smooth, creamy finish, and the bread toasts up perfectly golden and crisp. It’s quick to make and turns an everyday meal into something that feels just a little special.
Why this recipe works
- Delicious flavor blend: The lemon zest and green onions brighten up the crab mixture while the Swiss cheese adds creaminess that ties everything together perfectly.
- Simple ingredients: Each ingredient is easy to find, and when combined, they create a balanced mix of fresh, rich, and savory flavors.
- Perfect texture: The bread becomes crisp and golden on the outside while the cheese melts into the crab mixture for a soft and gooey center.
- Quick to prepare: This sandwich can be made in under fifteen minutes, making it perfect for busy days when you want something satisfying.
- Versatile choice: You can use fresh, canned, or imitation crab and any type of bread you prefer without changing the great flavor of the sandwich.
Serving suggestions
- Classic combo: Serve the crab grilled cheese with a side of crispy fries or chips for a quick and filling meal.
- Light lunch: Pair it with a bowl of tomato soup or seafood chowder for a comforting lunch that feels homemade and cozy.
- Dinner idea: Add a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to turn this sandwich into a complete meal.
- Party option: Cut the sandwiches into small triangles and serve them as warm appetizers for gatherings or family get-togethers.
- Upgrade option: Add a slice of tomato or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a touch of color and freshness.
Crab grilled cheese recipe
Make crab grilled cheese recipe for a melty, savory sandwich filled with crab, Swiss cheese, and just a hint of lemon for fresh flavor.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 Servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (6 ounces) can lump crab meat, rinsed and drained (or imitation crab)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 slices multigrain bread
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- In a medium bowl combine crab meat, mayonnaise, green onion, lemon zest, and ground black pepper. Mix well.
- Layer 2 cheese slices over 2 slices of bread. Top each sandwich evenly with the crabmeat mixture and then 2 additional slices of cheese. Spread butter on one side of each sandwich.
- Heat a large skillet to medium-low heat. Place sandwiches into the skillet butter-side down. Spread butter on the top of each sandwich. Cook until the bottom is golden brown. Turn the sandwiches and cook until the other side is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 740
- Sugar: 3.9 g
- Sodium: 574.2 mg
- Fat: 53.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 25.2 g
- Protein: 40.1 g
- Cholesterol: 133 mg