Cozy Crab Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Seafood Delight

Comfort arrives with this hearty crab casserole that promises pure culinary delight.

Seafood enthusiasts understand the magic of perfectly blended ingredients melting together.

Coastal memories dance through each creamy bite, transporting you to sunny shorelines.

Delicate crab meat transforms ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

Texture and flavor intertwine, creating a dish that feels both sophisticated and familiar.

Succulent chunks nestled among rich, velvety sauce invite immediate hunger.

Weekend meals demand something special, and this recipe delivers unexpected warmth and satisfaction.

You’ll want to savor every single mouthwatering spoonful.

What’s Great About Crab Casserole

• Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend dinners, this rich and creamy casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort and creates instant satisfaction.
• Enjoy as a main dish with a fresh salad, serve as an appetizer at parties, or use as a delicious side for special occasions like holiday meals or game day celebrations.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting seasonings, using different cheese varieties, or adding extra ingredients like diced bell peppers to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need for Crab Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• Crab Meat: A delicate protein that gives the casserole its rich, ocean-fresh flavor. Fresh or high-quality canned crab works best, with lump or jumbo lump varieties recommended for best texture.

• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy base that adds richness and tangy flavor. Sharp cheddar provides the best melting quality and depth of taste.

• Celery, Green Onions: Fresh vegetables that add crunch and subtle, bright flavors to the casserole. Finely chopped for even distribution.

• Lemon Juice: Brightens the seafood and cuts through the richness. Fresh juice preferred over bottled.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides deep, umami undertones that complement the crab.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend that brings traditional maritime flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth and subtle garlic notes without raw garlic intensity.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for overall flavor balance.

• Breadcrumbs, Butter: Creates a crispy, golden crust that adds textural contrast to the creamy casserole. Panko breadcrumbs work exceptionally well.

Crab Casserole Made Simple

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the perfect cooking environment.

Step 2: Create Flavor Blend

• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Cheddar cheese
• Chopped celery
• Sliced green onions
• Fresh lemon juice
• Worcestershire sauce
• Old Bay seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk all ingredients until they form a smooth, tangy mixture.

Step 3: Fold in Delicate Crab

Gently incorporate the crab meat into the creamy mixture, taking care to keep the meat chunks intact and preserve its delicate texture.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and carefully spoon the crab mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Add Crispy Topping (Optional)

Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle the golden mixture over the casserole for an extra crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and ensure easier portioning.

Better Results with These Crab Casserole Tips

• Preserve Crab Texture: Handle crab meat gently to maintain its delicate, flaky consistency without breaking or mashing the chunks during mixing.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of dry white wine or sherry to the sour cream mixture for an extra layer of sophisticated taste that complements the seafood.
• Create Crispy Topping Variations: Experiment with different breadcrumb options like panko, seasoned Italian breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers to add unique crunch and flavor profiles.
• Control Saltiness Carefully: Use low-sodium Old Bay seasoning and taste the mixture before adding extra salt to prevent over-seasoning the delicate crab meat.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Crab Casserole: Store and Warm Like This

• Store leftover crab casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.
• Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Be cautious not to overcook, which can make crab tough and rubbery.
• Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

What Goes Well with Crab Casserole

• Crisp Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the delicate crab meat, cutting through the rich, creamy casserole with its bright, citrusy notes and refreshing acidity.
• Prepare a light mixed green salad with cucumber, fresh dill, and lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's creamy texture and provide a clean, palate-cleansing accompaniment.
• Serve warm, crusty sourdough or artisan bread to soak up the creamy sauce and add a delightful textural contrast to the soft crab casserole.
• Roast asparagus or green beans with garlic and lemon zest to add a vibrant, slightly crunchy element that cuts through the dish's richness.

Crab Casserole Add-On Ideas

• Gluten-Free Crab Casserole: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the crispy texture.
• Low-Carb Seafood Option: Substitute crab with chopped shrimp or imitation crab meat, and use cauliflower rice instead of traditional breadcrumbs to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap sour cream and cheddar cheese with coconut yogurt and nutritional yeast, using dairy-free mayonnaise to create a creamy casserole suitable for those with dairy restrictions.
• Spicy Cajun Variation: Add diced bell peppers, cayenne pepper, and andouille sausage to inject bold Louisiana-style flavors into the classic crab casserole recipe.

Crab Casserole FAQs Solved

• Is crab casserole a healthy dish?

While delicious, this casserole is rich in calories and fat due to ingredients like sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheese. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.

• What type of crab meat works best?

Lump or jumbo lump crab meat is ideal for this recipe. These varieties have larger, more delicate pieces that maintain their texture and provide a premium seafood experience.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble all ingredients, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chilled temperature.

• How do I prevent the crab meat from breaking apart?

Fold the crab meat gently into the mixture using a soft spatula, using minimal stirring. This technique helps preserve the crab’s delicate texture and prevents it from becoming mushy during mixing and baking.

Crab Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory “Crab Casserole” delivers coastal comfort with creamy texture and rich seafood essence. Seafood enthusiasts will relish this classic dish that brings ocean flavors directly to dinner tables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood Base:

• 1 lb (454 grams) lump crab meat (picked over for shells)

Creamy Mixture:

• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Seasoning and Garnish:

• ½ cup (75 grams) diced celery
• ¼ cup (25 grams) chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs (optional topping)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) melted butter (optional topping)

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Instructions

1. Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, minced celery, chopped green onions, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Delicately incorporate the crab meat into the creamy mixture, using gentle folding techniques to preserve the meat’s delicate texture and prevent excessive breaking.
3. Transfer the luxurious seafood blend into a well-greased 9×9-inch baking dish, ensuring even distribution across the surface.
4. Create an optional golden-brown topping by combining breadcrumbs with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the mixture over the casserole for added crunch and visual appeal.
5. Place the prepared casserole in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C), allowing it to bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the surface turns a rich golden color and the interior becomes hot and effervescent.
6. Remove from the oven and permit the casserole to rest for several minutes, allowing the flavors to settle and the temperature to moderate slightly before serving.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, high-quality crab meat to ensure the best flavor and texture in your casserole.
• Handle the crab meat gently to maintain its delicate chunks and prevent it from becoming mushy during mixing.
• Consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version of the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or pepper jack to add unique flavor profiles to the casserole.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 265
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg