A culinary preparation featuring crab meat, typically combined with melted cheese and various seasonings, served between slices of bread. This dish often involves a creamy base, such as mayonnaise or a cheese sauce, that binds the crab and other ingredients together before being heated until the cheese is thoroughly melted and the bread is toasted or grilled. Its essence lies in the harmonious blend of seafood richness and cheesy indulgence.
The appeal of this particular sandwich lies in its accessible luxury. It provides a relatively inexpensive way to enjoy crab, a seafood often associated with higher-end dining. The melted cheese adds a comforting and familiar element, making it a satisfying and approachable meal. Historically, variations of seafood melts have appeared in coastal regions, adapting local ingredients and culinary traditions to create unique and flavorful lunchtime options.