When my family asked me to make oven baked snow crab legs for the first time, I wasn’t sure how they’d like it. Snow crab legs often felt like a special occasion treat, something a little intimidating for a weeknight. But when I finally pulled together a simple garlic butter recipe and popped those legs into the oven, the reaction around our table was unforgettable. Everyone leaned in, eager to crack open the shells and soak up that rich, buttery flavor. This Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs recipe turned into an instant favorite—and stays there because it’s both easy and feels like a little celebration at home.
What You’ll Need
- Bold Snow Crab Legs, about 2 pounds – Fresh or thawed frozen crab legs both work well. For the best Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs, I recommend purchasing pre-cooked legs since they just need reheating and flavoring in the oven.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Butter is key for that rich garlic butter crab legs experience. Using unsalted lets you control the salt level more easily.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic delivers the best flavor punch in this oven baked snow crab legs recipe.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – A squeeze of lemon brightens up the buttery sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika – Adds a gentle smokiness and color without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped – This adds a fresh, herby touch and pretty presentation. My family prefers when I use plenty of parsley in our Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs for that fresh finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Season to your liking.
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat.
You’ll find everything for this Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs at your regular grocery store seafood section or sometimes frozen aisle. If fresh parsley isn’t handy, dried works too, but fresh always tastes brighter. For substitutions, olive oil can replace some of the butter if you want a lighter sauce, or you can add a little white wine to the mix for a subtle twist.
A quick tip: thaw frozen crab legs overnight in the fridge for best results. If you’re short on time, run cold water over them in the sink to speed that up. Prepping your garlic and melting butter ahead makes assembly even easier.
Trust me, this Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor! Adding garlic butter makes this dish irresistible and it’s one of the easiest seafood oven recipes to nail.
How to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. This temp lets the crab legs warm through gently while your garlic butter sauce works its magic.
- If your crab legs are frozen, thaw them completely. You don’t want cold crab legs in the oven—it’ll take longer to heat and not absorb the flavors as well.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Be careful not to brown the garlic as it can taste bitter.
- Stir in lemon juice, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes here.
- Arrange the crab legs in a large baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over them, making sure all the legs get a nice coating.
- Cover the baking dish with foil to keep the moisture in while baking. This helps the crab legs steam a little, making them tender and juicy.
- Bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll know your Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs is ready when they are hot throughout and the shells have that bright, inviting color.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot. You’ll smell the garlicky goodness filling your kitchen—it’s the best kind of welcome.
Here’s where I used to mess up my Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs: I’d leave them uncovered and end up with dryer crab meat. Covering with foil helps keep them juicy every time. While your Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs are cooking, you’ll have time to prepare simple sides or pour some crusty bread to soak up the remaining garlic butter.
Don’t worry if your crab legs look a bit bright red after baking—that’s perfectly normal and means they’re cooked through. And if you want a shortcut, using pre-cut leg sections can speed things up without losing any flavor.
If you want another take on this, check out this easy baked crab legs recipe from I Heart Recipes—they share some great tips too.
Serving Ideas
My family reaches for seconds when this Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs comes out with a side of buttery corn on the cob and a crisp green salad. The sweetness of the corn pairs beautifully with the garlic butter crab legs and makes for a hearty, balanced meal.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners when you want something really satisfying without too much prep work. It also shines at celebrations—birthdays, holidays, or weekend get-togethers—because it feels like a treat everyone can dive into together.
For presentation, I love placing the crab legs on a platter dusted with extra parsley and lemon wedges. It makes the meal feel special and invites everyone to dig in. Leftovers, if you’re lucky to have any, reheat nicely with a quick boost under the broiler or a minute in the microwave covered loosely with foil to keep moisture.
We’ve tried this Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs with a variety of sides—steamed asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, and even crusty bread to mop up the sauce. Each version gets thumbs-up around my table. If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy the crab dip recipe we often serve as an appetizer before the main meal.
For weekend cooking inspiration, I’ve found seafood oven recipes like these bring out the best in seafood without fuss—this recipe is one of the simplest to start with.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the crab legs ahead and then reheat with fresh garlic butter before serving. Just keep the crab tightly covered in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic for garlic butter crab legs?
Garlic powder can work in a pinch but fresh garlic really stands out in this oven baked snow crab legs recipe. If needed, use about 1 teaspoon garlic powder plus a touch of onion powder to maintain flavor.
How do I store leftover Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs?
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best eaten within 2 days for freshness.
Can I use king crab legs instead?
Absolutely! The same oven baked method works great with king crab legs, just adjust cooking time slightly since they can be bigger and thicker.
Should I thaw frozen crab legs before baking?
You should. Thawed crab legs cook more evenly and absorb flavors better.
What sides go well with Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs?
I love pairing with buttery corn, salad, potatoes, or steamed veggies. The simple sides let the crab shine.
Is this hard to make?
Not at all. This Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs recipe is beginner-friendly and quick. It’s a great way to enjoy seafood dinner at home without fuss.
How long does it take to cook?
About 15 minutes at 375°F is typical. If crab legs are very thick, add a few extra minutes.
I’ve heard from readers that their kids surprisingly love cracking the legs and dunking in garlic butter when they’re involved in the process. It’s a fun family meal win!
For more helpful advice on similar recipes, check out this Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs from Al Dente Diva or Easy Baked Snow Crab from Tastefulventure.
The Final Word
This Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs recipe has earned its place in my recipe collection because it delivers simple, delicious seafood without stress. It gets my family excited to eat at the table and creates moments where we genuinely connect.
My Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs Tips:
– Always thaw crab legs first for even cooking.
– Cover with foil while baking to keep tenderness.
– Don’t skip fresh garlic—it’s the flavor star here.
I’ve also tried variations like adding a splash of white wine to the garlic butter, swapping parsley for fresh cilantro, or adding a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning for a different twist. My daughter loves the classic garlic butter version, while my husband enjoys a little extra spice in his.
I encourage you to make this Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs your own—adjust seasonings, sides, or presentation to fit your family’s taste. I hope this recipe brings your family the same joy and togetherness it brings to mine.
For more family-friendly meal ideas that bring everyone to the table, try this crab dip recipe, it pairs well with Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Now, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready for a meal that turns your kitchen into a place full of warmth, laughter, and delicious memories.
Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs
Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs are a simple yet elegant seafood dish featuring tender, flavorful crab legs seasoned and baked to perfection for a quick, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 pounds snow crab legs
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the snow crab legs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil.
- Brush the crab legs generously with the butter mixture, making sure to coat all sides.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until heated through and fragrant.
- Remove from oven and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some Old Bay seasoning on the crab legs before baking or serve with a side of garlic butter dipping sauce.