Vegan Crab Bites

Vegan Crab Bites

recipe image

By Melissa Huggins / 18 Comments

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Fast, easy, and utterly delicious – these Vegan Crab Bites are the perfect party appetizer. They can be served hot or cold and take 20 minutes to prepare.

five vegan crab bites on a serving plate and striped napkin on the side.

If you’re going to a party, but have no idea what to bring, you’ll definitely want to make these Vegan Crab Bites. They are a crowd favorite!

Who can resist a creamy dip tucked inside a crispy shell? Nobody can! So, they’ll be a hit at your next party and disappear fast!

I’m making two batches for a family gathering along with a platter of Vegan Cheddar Cheese, Herb Crackers, and Vegan Pepperoni. I don’t have to worry about heating anything up and can focus on having fun.

To make these delicious bites, you’ll just have to pick up pre-made phyllo shells, hearts of palm, and some pantry staples. So simple!

Are phyllo cups vegan?

Yes, most store-bought brands are accidentally vegan, just double check before you purchase. I buy Athens Foods Phyllo Shells and I usually find them at Walmart in the frozen section.

How to make Vegan Crab Bites

(full printable recipe in the card below)

3 process photos of shredding hearts of palm, whisking dressing and mixing it together in a white bowl.

STEP 1

Add the hearts of palm to a Food Processor and give 3-4 long pulses until shredded. Don’t over process – the mixture should have a crab-like consistency.

STEP 2

To a large bowl, add the mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, kelp, Old Bay Seasoning, parsley, garlic, onion, salt & fresh cracked pepper. Combine everything well.

STEP 3

Now add the shredded hearts of palm and combine everything well. Taste for seasoning and add more if needed.

Full white platter filled with vegan crab bites. Lemon wedges in the background.

STEP 4

Using a small spoon, fill each shell with mixture. Top with fresh-cut parsley if desired. Serve right away or chill in a covered container until ready to serve.

Add on ideas:

  • For richer stuffing, you can swap out ¼ cup mayo for a ¼ cup Vegan Cream Cheese or Vegan Sour Cream.
  • Add fresh-cut greens like chives, dill, parsley and green onion to the mixture (or as a garnish).
  • For extra flavor, you can add ¼ teaspoon of cumin, crushed red pepper, coriander, cayenne pepper or paprika.

sevenvegan crab bites on a serving plate. Lemon wedges in the background and striped napkin on the side.

How to turn these Vegan Crab Bites into a hot appetizer

It’s so easy! Here’s what you’ll need to do: 

  • Preheat oven to 375° F (190° C)
  • Prepare the mixture the same way
  • Fill the phyllo cups and add a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs on top
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes until filling is heated throughout and breadcrumbs are golden

Look for more small bites? Here are my faves:

Vegan Spinach Artichoke Cups 

Crabless Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms

Vegan Mozzarella Sticks

Vegan Lettuce Wraps

I’d love to hear from you

If you make these Vegan Crab Bites, let me know what you think by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. It would really make my day. You can also follow me on Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @veganhuggs and hashtag #veganhuggs so I don’t miss it.

Recipe

Vegan Crab Bites

Fast, easy and utterly delicious ~ these Vegan Crab Bites can be served hot or cold and take 20 minutes to prepare. It’s the perfect party bite!

Prep Time20 minutes

Total Time20 minutes

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American, Vegan

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 211kcal

Instructions

  • Add the hearts of palm to a food processor and give 3-4 long pulses, until shredded (you may need to shred in two batches depending on the size of your processor). Don’t over process – the mixture should have a crab-like consistency. (*see photo above)

  • To a large bowl, add mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, kelp, Old Bay Seasoning, parsley, garlic, onion, salt & fresh cracked pepper. Combine well.

  • Add the shredded hearts of palm to the bowl and combine well. Taste for seasoning and add more if needed.

  • Using a small spoon, fill each shell with mixture. Top with fresh-cut parsley if desired. Keep covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy! 

Notes

  • If you can’t find kelp granules, you can use dulse flakes, dulse granules or break up a small piece of nori. If you don’t want the ocean-like flavor, you can omit the seaweed altogether. It will still be delicious!
  • For a richer stuffing, you can swap out ¼ cup mayo for a ¼ cup vegan cream cheese or vegan sour cream (soften cream cheese before using).
  • Fills about 26-30 shells depending on how much you stuff them.
  • You can make filling the day before, just cover and pop it in the fridge. 
  • If you don’t have a food processor, you can shred the hearts of palm with a fork.
  • If you’d like to turn these into a hot appetizer, you can find the instructions in the post above. 

Nutrition

Serving: 5pieces | Calories: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 142mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 60IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1.4mg

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