BLEND first 5 ingredients in blender or food processor until smooth; transfer to large bowl. Add 1/2 cup Cheddar (or 1/4 cup Cheddar for trial recipe) and all remaining ingredients except crabmeat; stir until blended.
SPOON about 3/4 cup potato mixture into each of 24 (4-inch) ramekins (or into each of 12 ramekins for trial recipe). Place on sheet pan; top each with 1/4 cup crab.
BAKE in 300ºF-convection oven 15 to 18 min., topping each ramekin with 1 Tbsp. of the remaining Cheddar for the last minute.