The Greatest Florida Stone Crab Melt Recipe

Florida luxury. Unapologetically GOAT.

Sweet Florida stone crab piled high over toasted brioche, ripe tomato, and silky truffle goat cheese whiz—torched and broiled until bubbling and golden.

This is not a traditional seafood melt buried under cheese. The stone crab remains the star, while the truffle goat cheese whiz adds richness without hiding the delicate flavor of the crab.

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

Stone Crab Melt

• 1 pound Florida stone crab claw meat, shells removed
• 4 thick slices fresh-baked brioche
• 4 ounces GOAT Truffle Goat Cheese Whiz
• 1 ripe tomato, sliced paper-thin
• Fresh chives, thinly sliced
• Fresh lemon zest
• Maldon sea salt, for finishing
• Fresh cracked black pepper

GOAT Truffle Goat Cheese Whiz

• 1 ounce unsalted butter
• 1 fresh garlic clove, finely grated
• Pinch of fresh rosemary, finely minced
• 2 ounces heavy cream
• 4 ounces freshly grated truffle goat cheese
• Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt, to taste
• Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Sheet pan
• Parchment paper or foil
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Broiler or culinary torch
• Microplane or citrus zester

Instructions

Make the Truffle Goat Cheese Whiz

1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Add the fresh garlic and minced rosemary. Cook for approximately 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
3. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated truffle goat cheese.
5. Continue whisking until smooth, silky, and fully emulsified.
6. Season lightly and keep warm over very low heat.

Build the Stone Crab Melt

1. Preheat the broiler.
2. Toast the brioche slices lightly until golden.
3. Layer the paper-thin tomato slices over each piece of brioche.
4. Pile the Florida stone crab claw meat generously over the tomato.
5. Spoon the warm truffle goat cheese whiz over the stone crab without burying it.
6. Torch the surface lightly.
7. Broil until bubbling and lightly golden.
8. Finish with fresh chives, lemon zest, Maldon sea salt, and fresh cracked black pepper.
9. Serve hot.

Chef Tips

• Use only real Florida stone crab claw meat.
• Do not shred or overmix the crab.
• Inspect the crab carefully for shell fragments.
• The truffle goat cheese whiz should be silky and spoonable.
• Slice the tomato paper-thin.
• If the cheese hides the stone crab, you missed the point.

Make-Ahead and Storage

The truffle goat cheese whiz may be prepared up to two days ahead. Keep the stone crab refrigerated until assembly. Assemble and broil immediately before serving.

Related Recipes

• The Greatest Florida Lobster Bisque Recipe
• The Greatest Florida Lobster Roll Recipe
• The Greatest Florida Lobster Cobb Salad Recipe

Nutrition disclaimer: Nutritional information is provided only as an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.