King Crab Appetizers Mini Tarts

Name: King Crab Appetizers Mini Tarts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 mini tarts
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed; 1 egg, beaten for egg wash; 8 oz king crab meat, drained and shredded; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: International Dish Inspirations

Delight your guests with these luxurious King Crab Appetizers Mini Tarts, perfect for any occasion.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-24T20:10:28.708Z

These delicious mini tarts are a show-stopper at any gathering! Filled with succulent king crab meat, creamy mixture, and topped with fresh herbs, they bring a taste of the sea to your table.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Decadent crab filling that impresses every time
Flaky, buttery tart shell that complements the filling
Perfectly sized for easy serving and eating

      

A Perfect Bite for Every Occasion

These King Crab Appetizers Mini Tarts are the epitome of elegance and flavor. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated cocktail party, a festive holiday gathering, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these tarts will elevate your dining experience. Their bite-sized format makes them an ideal choice for mingling guests, allowing everyone to savor the luxurious crab filling without the need for utensils.

Each mini tart is a delightful explosion of taste, featuring a rich and creamy filling that perfectly balances the sweet, tender crab meat. The combination of cream cheese and mayonnaise adds a luscious texture, while the Dijon mustard and lemon juice provide a zesty kick that brightens every bite. Your guests will be raving about these appetizers long after the party ends!

Crafting the Perfect Tart Shell

The tart shells for these appetizers are made using puff pastry, which creates a flaky and buttery crust that complements the crab filling beautifully. Puff pastry is surprisingly easy to work with and can be found in the freezer section of most grocery stores. Simply thaw and roll it out to create the perfect base for your tarts.

When cutting the pastry into circles, ensure they are slightly larger than the muffin tin cups to allow for proper shaping. Brushing the pastry with an egg wash before baking not only gives it a golden-brown finish but also helps to seal in the filling’s moisture. This attention to detail ensures that each tart is as delicious as it is beautiful.

Tips for Serving and Presentation

Presentation is key when it comes to serving your King Crab Appetizers Mini Tarts. Consider garnishing each tart with fresh chives or a sprinkle of paprika to add color and visual appeal. You can also serve them on a decorative platter with lemon wedges or a light salad to enhance the overall dining experience.

For optimal flavor, serve the tarts warm right out of the oven, or allow them to chill in the refrigerator for a refreshing appetizer. If you're preparing them in advance, simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving to restore their flaky texture. Your guests will appreciate the effort you put into making this dish not only delicious but also visually stunning.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delightful mini tarts.

For the Tart Shells

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten for egg wash

For the Filling

8 oz king crab meat, drained and shredded
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start assembling the tarts!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your King Crab Appetizers Mini Tarts.

Prepare the Tart Shells

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into circles to fit in a mini muffin tin. Press each circle into the muffin tin and brush with the beaten egg.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chives, and season with salt and pepper. Gently fold in the king crab meat until well combined.

Assemble the Tarts

Once the tart shells have cooled, fill each shell with the crab mixture. You can top them with additional chives or a sprinkle of paprika for extra color.

Serve

Serve your mini tarts immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy your delicious King Crab Appetizers!

These mini tarts can be prepared ahead of time and are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftover mini tarts, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can still savor their flavor even after a day in the fridge. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

Avoid microwaving the tarts, as this can make the pastry soggy. Reheating in the oven will help maintain that delightful flaky texture while warming the filling. Enjoying these tarts the next day can be a delightful reminder of your successful gathering!

Variations to Try

While the classic king crab filling is undeniably delicious, don't hesitate to experiment with variations! Consider using other seafood like shrimp or lobster for a different flavor profile. You can also add ingredients such as diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or fresh herbs like dill for an aromatic twist.

For a vegetarian option, try substituting the crab with sautéed mushrooms and spinach mixed with the cream cheese filling. These variations allow for creativity in the kitchen while still delivering impressive and delectable results for your guests.

Pairing Suggestions

To complement the rich flavors of the King Crab Appetizers Mini Tarts, consider serving them with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines enhance the dish's sweetness and acidity, making for a delightful pairing that will impress your guests.

If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime can cleanse the palate beautifully between bites. Pairing your tarts with a light salad or a zesty dip can also elevate the appetizer experience and create a memorable dining occasion.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the tarts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tart shells and filling in advance. Assemble and fill them just before serving for the best texture.

→ What can I serve with these mini tarts?

These tarts pair well with a light salad or a glass of white wine for a perfect appetizer.

→ Can I freeze the tarts?

Yes, the unbaked tart shells can be frozen. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

→ Is it necessary to use fresh crab meat?

While fresh crab meat offers the best flavor, you can also use canned or frozen crab meat. Just make sure to drain it well.