Crab Casserole is a rich, creamy, and savory dish that highlights the delicate flavor of crab meat, baked into a warm and comforting casserole. It’s an easy yet elegant recipe that’s perfect for special occasions, family dinners, or when you’re craving something indulgent and seafood-packed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This crab casserole is satisfying and luxurious without being complicated. It comes together quickly and is full of buttery, cheesy goodness that complements the tender crab meat beautifully. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, it’s sure to impress with its irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s easy to customize and can be made ahead of time.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Lump crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
- Cream cheese, softened
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- Green onions, chopped
- Celery, finely chopped
- Lemon juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic powder
- Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for topping
- Butter (if using topping)
directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in the crab meat, green onions, celery, and shredded cheese. Mix gently to avoid breaking up the crab too much.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and smooth the top.
- If using a topping, combine breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden top.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra green onions or parsley if desired.
Servings and timing
Serves 6
Prep time: 10–15 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: about 40–45 minutes
Variations
- Add diced red bell pepper for color and sweetness.
- Use a mix of crab and shrimp for a seafood medley.
- Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a bolder flavor.
- Make it keto by skipping the breadcrumb topping or using crushed pork rinds.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual servings until warmed through.
Avoid freezing, as the creamy texture may separate.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab for this recipe?
Yes, canned crab works well—just drain it thoroughly and pick through for any shell pieces.
What’s the best kind of crab meat to use?
Lump crab meat offers the best texture and flavor, but claw meat or imitation crab can also be used.
Can I make crab casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Do I have to use cream cheese?
Cream cheese gives the casserole richness and structure, but you can substitute with ricotta or mascarpone if desired.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
It should be hot and bubbly with a slightly golden top.
Can I freeze crab casserole?
Freezing isn’t recommended as the texture may suffer when thawed and reheated.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit the topping entirely.
What side dishes go well with crab casserole?
Serve with a green salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or rice.
Can I serve this as a dip?
Yes, reduce the baking time slightly and serve it with crackers or sliced baguette.
What’s a good substitute for Old Bay?
A mix of celery salt, paprika, cayenne, and black pepper can mimic the flavor if you don’t have Old Bay.
Conclusion
Crab Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish that brings a touch of elegance to any meal. With its rich blend of cheeses, seasonings, and tender crab meat, it’s a versatile recipe that can be served as an entrée or a show-stopping side. Whether you’re entertaining guests or making a weeknight dinner feel special, this casserole is a guaranteed favorite.
Print
Crab Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and comforting crab casserole is packed with sweet crab meat, savory cheese, and a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a classic seafood dish that’s easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners, holidays, or potlucks. Serve it with a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
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1 lb lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
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1 cup sour cream
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1 cup mayonnaise
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup diced celery
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1/4 cup chopped green onions
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
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2 tablespoons melted butter (optional topping)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large bowl, mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, celery, green onions, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break it up too much.
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Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
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(Optional) Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top for a crispy topping.
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Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
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Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
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For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
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You can substitute imitation crab if real crab isn’t available.
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Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.