Nana’s Crab Roll-Ups

When it comes to vintage recipes that still hold their own, Nana’s Crab Roll-Ups might just top the list. I was initially skeptical when a friend described this dish to me: Velveeta and crab meat? Wonder bread? And topped with sesame seeds? It certainly sounded unusual.

This recipe came from my friend’s Nana, who made these roll-ups for every holiday party. As a kid, my friend would hang around the food table, sneaking as many rolls as he could before anyone noticed. He insisted they were worth a try, and he was absolutely right.

I first served them at a potluck where an abundance of amazing food was on display, yet all anyone could talk about were the crab rolls. People were curious about the “dough” and requested the recipe. Their expressions were priceless when I revealed that the dough was simply white bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nana’s Crab Roll-Ups are a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and savory crab, all wrapped up in a crispy sesame seed-topped roll. They’re easy to make and perfect for any gathering, from holiday parties to casual get-togethers. Plus, they bring a nostalgic vibe that’s sure to be a hit with both young and old guests alike.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Medium bowl
• Rolling pin
• 9×13 baking dish
• Refrigerator
• Broiler

Ingredients

• ½ pound Velveeta cheese, sliced
• 1 cup butter (two sticks), divided
• 8 oz imitation crab meat
• 1 large loaf sliced white bread (the cheap stuff!)
• ¼ cup sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, melt the cheese and ½ cup of butter. Stir until fully combined.
2. Break the crab into small pieces. Add to the butter mixture and stir.
3. Cut the crust off the bread slices and roll out with a rolling pin until completely flattened.
4. Spread a line of the crab mixture across the flattened bread slice and roll tightly.
5. Place rolls in a prepared 9×13 baking dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Remove the dish from the fridge and cut each roll in half.
7. Dip each roll in the remaining melted butter, then place back in the baking dish seam down. Sprinkle sesame seeds across the top.
8. Broil on medium-high for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Serve warm if possible!

Tips for Success

Ensure the bread is rolled out as flat as possible for the best texture. Refrigerating the rolls helps them maintain their shape when cutting and broiling, so don’t skip this step!

Additional Tips and Variations

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add a dash of hot sauce to the crab mixture for a spicy kick. You can also try using real crab meat for a more authentic flavor.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

These roll-ups are a rich source of protein from the crab meat and cheese, though they are also high in fat due to the butter and cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use real crab meat instead of imitation? Yes, real crab meat can be used for a more authentic flavor.
• Can these be made ahead of time? Absolutely, prepare them up to the refrigeration step and broil just before serving.
• How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Conclusion

Nana’s Crab Roll-Ups are a delightful throwback to vintage recipes that still captivate taste buds today. They’re sure to impress at your next gathering, so give them a try and let us know how they turn out! We’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative twists you put on this classic dish.