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Crab Casserole
Crab casserole is a rich and creamy seafood dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe brings together the sweet and savory flavors of crab with a luscious cheese sauce, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs for texture. It’s easy to prepare and ideal for serving a crowd. Whether it's a holiday dinner or a seafood-themed night, this crab casserole will become a favorite dish for you and your family!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Oven Mitts
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound crab meat fresh, canned, or imitation
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup green onions chopped
- ½ cup celery finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs Panko works best for a crispy topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Crab Mixture
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning. Whisk everything together until smooth.
- Add the Crab Meat: Gently fold in the crab meat, making sure to keep the chunks intact. You can use fresh crab, canned crab, or even imitation crab, depending on what you have available.
- Add the Vegetables and Cheese: Stir in the chopped green onions, celery, and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole
- Spread in the Baking Dish: Pour the crab mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Add the Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the crab mixture. The breadcrumbs will create a crispy, golden-brown crust.
- Bake the Casserole
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the dish set and make it easier to serve.
Serve and Garnish
- Garnish (Optional): For added freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top of the baked crab casserole before serving.
- Serve: Cut the casserole into squares or spoon it onto plates. It’s delicious on its own or served with sides like a green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
Notes
Tips for Making the Best Crab Casserole
- Crab Meat Selection: For the best flavor, use fresh lump crab meat, but if you’re on a budget or want a more convenient option, canned or imitation crab will also work well.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese gives a sharp and tangy flavor, you can also use Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
- Customize the Topping: If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes can add a different texture to the topping.
- Spice it Up: For a spicy kick, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the crab mixture.
- Add Vegetables: You can incorporate more veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach for extra color and nutrients.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Simply cover and refrigerate, then bake as instructed when you’re ready.
Nutrition Information
Each serving contains:- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 25g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 2g