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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Delicately incorporate the crab meat into the creamy mixture, using gentle folding techniques to preserve the meat’s delicate texture and prevent excessive breaking.
- Transfer the luxurious seafood blend into a well-greased 9×9-inch baking dish, ensuring even distribution across the surface.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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