Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches on wooden platter

The Best Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches

Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches bring together creamy, cheesy comfort and bold coastal flavor in one satisfying bite. These golden little treasures aren’t just your average appetizer—they’re a showstopper for brunches, holiday spreads, or anytime you’re craving something rich yet refined.

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Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches check all the right boxes. They’re easy to prep, freezer-friendly, and perfect for making ahead. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything from ingredients to variations, reheating tips to common mistakes—so your mini quiches turn out restaurant-worthy every single time.

Don’t miss our Shrimp Crab Nacho Bomb Corn Dogs for a creative seafood snack twist you’ll also love.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

The Irresistible Allure of Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches

Why Seafood Quiches Are a Crowd Favorite

Mini quiches are a go-to for parties, brunches, and make-ahead snacks because they offer a world of flavor in a compact, no-fuss form. But Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches go one step further. They blend the ocean’s savory charm with the satisfying bite of cheddar cheese and a buttery crust. Every mouthful is balanced—creamy yet hearty, rich yet not overwhelming.

Whether served warm or cold, these quiches deliver a luxurious feel with minimal effort. Bite-sized and baked to perfection, they’re equally ideal for elegant dinners or casual family brunches.

Unlike basic egg cups or veggie muffins, mini seafood quiches pack a unique protein boost with crab meat and chopped shrimp. Paired with a creamy egg base and bold cheddar, they shine as a main character on any party tray. You can even bake them in advance, refrigerate or freeze, then serve on demand.

How Cheddar Adds Depth to Crab and Shrimp Recipes

Seafood dishes often benefit from a little sharpness to complement their briny base—and that’s where cheddar steps in. In this recipe, sharp cheddar isn’t just a filler ingredient. It adds a complex depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of shrimp and the buttery richness of crab.

Using cheddar in your mini seafood quiches helps balance the saltiness of the shellfish while adding a gooey, satisfying texture. Sharp cheddar also holds up well when baked, making sure your mini quiches don’t become bland or watery during cooking.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, a blend of cheddar and Gruyère or even a smoked cheese can take this dish to the next level. But cheddar alone is a hero here—bold, familiar, and irresistibly melty.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Seafood Bisque with Crab Shrimp Lobster for another luxurious seafood hit that pairs perfectly with these mini quiches.

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Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches on wooden platter

The Best Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 mini quiches 1x
  • Category: Appetizer, Brunch, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Coastal, Southern

Description

These Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches are the ultimate seafood-inspired bite-sized brunch dish. Made with flaky crust, creamy cheddar, and tender seafood, they’re perfect for entertaining, meal prep, or snacking. Easy to freeze, reheat, and customize with your favorite add-ins.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 prepared pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup lump crab meat, drained
  • ½ cup cooked shrimp, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
  • Nonstick spray or butter for greasing muffin pan

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
  2. Roll out pie crust and cut into small rounds to fit each muffin cup. Press into pan and pre-bake for 5 minutes.
  3. In a skillet, sauté raw shrimp with a bit of oil until just cooked. Chop once cooled.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Old Bay.
  5. Divide crab, shrimp, and cheddar evenly among crusts. Add green onions if using.
  6. Pour egg mixture over each cup, filling ¾ of the way full.
  7. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until centers are just set.
  8. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • To make gluten-free, skip the crust and go crustless with well-greased muffin tins.
  • Use fresh seafood for the best flavor, but canned crab or frozen shrimp work too.
  • Let the quiches cool slightly before removing from the pan to avoid breaking.
  • Perfect for freezing and reheating—store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mini quiche
  • Calories: 105
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 0.3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: cheddar crab and shrimp mini quiches, mini seafood quiches, shrimp crab appetizers, brunch quiche, bite-sized seafood quiche

Ingredients Spotlight – The Building Blocks of Flavor

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Mini Quiches

When it comes to Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches, the magic lies in balancing rich seafood flavors with creamy, savory textures. Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient that makes these little bites unforgettable:

Ingredient Purpose Tips
Pie Crust Holds everything together Store-bought works fine, but homemade adds flair
Large Eggs (3) Acts as the base custard for the filling Use room-temp eggs for even baking
Heavy Cream (¾ cup) Adds rich, creamy texture Avoid milk or half-and-half for best results
Sharp Cheddar (½ cup) Delivers bold flavor and gooey texture Freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded
Lump Crab Meat (½ cup) Adds sweet, ocean flavor Drain thoroughly to avoid soggy quiches
Cooked Shrimp (½ cup) Brings mild seafood taste and texture Use small or chopped shrimp
Green Onions (2 tbsp) Adds brightness and slight crunch Optional but highly recommended
Seasonings Salt, pepper, garlic powder, Old Bay Enhances overall depth of flavor
Nonstick Spray/Butter Prevents sticking in muffin tin Be generous to avoid mess

These ingredients work together to create a luxurious texture and vibrant flavor profile in every bite. Don’t skip the seasoning—Old Bay, garlic powder, and a touch of black pepper elevate the seafood’s natural taste without overpowering it.

Fresh ingredients for Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches including eggs, cream, cheddar, crab, shrimp, and spices on a kitchen counter
All the ingredients you need to make delicious Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches, prepped and ready to go

Fresh vs. Canned vs. Imitation Crab: What You Should Know

Crab comes in many forms, but not all are ideal for your mini quiches. Let’s break it down:

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Type Pros Cons
Lump Crab (Fresh) Best flavor and texture More expensive, needs draining
Canned Crab Convenient and affordable Slightly fishier taste, less texture
Imitation Crab Cheap, shelf-stable, easy to chop Lower in quality, contains fillers and sugar

Can you use imitation crab in mini quiches?
Yes, especially if you’re cooking for a crowd or on a budget. But if flavor is your priority, opt for fresh or lump crab meat. The real stuff holds up better in baking and provides that flaky, buttery texture imitation just can’t match.

The same goes for shrimp: go for pre-cooked or quickly sauté raw shrimp before adding it to the mix. Chopping them into bite-sized pieces ensures even distribution in each mini quiche.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Filling muffin pan with crab and shrimp egg mixture
Quiche cups ready for the oven

Preparation Tips for the Filling

Before diving into baking, getting your seafood filling right is key. Here’s how to prep everything like a pro:

1. Sauté

; the Shrimp First
Even if you’re using pre-cooked shrimp, a quick sauté in a bit of olive oil adds flavor and ensures no extra water leaches into your mini quiches. Cook just until pink and firm, then let them cool before chopping into small pieces.

2. Drain the Crab Meat Well
Lump crab meat often contains residual moisture that can water down your filling. Use a paper towel or strainer to gently remove excess liquid without breaking apart the crab too much.

3. Mix the Egg Custard Separately
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:

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  • 3 large eggs
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional but highly recommended)
  • This mixture forms the silky base of the mini quiches, holding all the seafood and cheddar together.

    4. Prepare the Cheese and Green Onions
    Use sharp cheddar, freshly shredded for the best melt. Green onions add brightness and crunch—slice thinly and add them last for texture contrast.

    ding" id="perfecting-the-crust-and-oven-timing-for-best-results">Perfecting the Crust and Oven Timing for Best Results

    1. Roll and Cut the Crust
    Whether you’re using homemade or store-bought pie dough, roll it out and use a round cutter or glass to form small circles. Press each circle gently into the cups of a 24-count mini muffin tin.

    2. Pre-Bake the Crusts
    To avoid sogginess, lightly pre-bake the crusts for 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This firms up the base just enough to handle the filling without soaking through.

    3. Assemble Your Mini Quiches
    Distribute chopped shrimp, crab meat, and cheddar evenly among all muffin cups. Add a few green onions for a fresh lift.

    Pour the egg mixture

    into each cup until it’s about ¾ full. Be careful not to overfill, as the custard will rise slightly during baking.

    4. Bake to Perfection
    Place the muffin pan in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the centers are just set and the tops are golden. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Let the quiches cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then carefully lift them out with a spoon or butter knife. Serve immediately, or cool completely and store.