If you are craving a dish that embodies creamy, cheesy, and flavorful comfort all in one bake, this Crab Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. The tender lumps of crab meat meld beautifully with a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, tangy sour cream, and just the right kick of Old Bay seasoning. Baked to golden bubbly perfection and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust, this casserole is a celebration of texture and taste, perfect for serving family or impressing friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is your first step toward making this Crab Casserole Recipe shine. Each ingredient plays a unique role: creamy dairy creates the luscious base, the spices awaken the flavor profile, and the fresh crab meat brings that luxurious, ocean-fresh essence.
- 1 lb lump crab meat: Carefully picked to avoid shells, this is the star of the dish, providing sweet, delicate flavor and flaky texture.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds rich creaminess and binds everything together smoothly.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings a slight tang that balances the richness beautifully.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Enhances the moist texture and helps keep the casserole tender.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Offers a bold, savory depth that complements the crab perfectly.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Infuses a nutty, salty complexity.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Sweated until sweet and fragrant, providing subtle aromatic undertones.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a gentle pungency without overpowering the other flavors.
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Gives a savory umami boost.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Injects fresh brightness to cut through richness.
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend that elevates the crab’s natural flavor.
- 1/4 tsp paprika: Adds a hint of smoky warmth and color.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Provides mild heat and complexity.
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste): Enhances all flavors without overwhelming.
- 1/2 cup green onions or chives, chopped: Brings fresh herbal notes and a pop of color.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping): Creates that irresistible crispy, golden crust.
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (for breadcrumbs): Helps the breadcrumbs toast beautifully and adds richness.
How to Make Crab Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a medium baking dish so your casserole doesn’t stick. This simple step ensures even cooking and an easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a small pan, gently sauté your finely chopped onions and minced garlic in a bit of butter until they become soft and fragrant. This will mellow their sharpness and infuse that sweet, aromatic base flavor that makes this Crab Casserole Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and your carefully measured spices until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This creates the decadent backbone of your casserole, rich in flavor and smooth in texture.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses and Aromatics
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, and the sautéed onions and garlic. These ingredients not only add multiple layers of cheesy goodness but also balance the creaminess with savory notes and subtle sweetness.
Step 5: Fold in Crab Meat and Green Onions
Gently fold in the lump crab meat along with half of your chopped green onions or chives. Be tender here to keep those lovely crab lumps intact because their texture is a key part of the experience of this Crab Casserole Recipe.
Step 6: Transfer and Top
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Mix your breadcrumbs with the melted butter, then sprinkle this golden mixture evenly over the top—a crucial step for that satisfying crispy, buttery topping every casserole needs.
Step 7: Bake and Broil
Bake your casserole for about 25 to 30 minutes until it’s bubbling and beautifully golden. For an extra crunch, broil for just a couple of minutes at the end, but keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn. This final touch adds a delightful contrast of textures.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining green onions or chives over the top to add fresh color and a slight oniony punch. Serve warm and enjoy every rich, creamy bite of this Crab Casserole Recipe.
How to Serve Crab Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions or chives are classic, but you could also try a light sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few thin lemon wedges on the side for an extra twist. These garnishes add freshness and visual appeal, making each serving inviting and vibrant.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed in citrus vinaigrettes or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to balance the richness. For something heartier, roasted potatoes or buttery garlic bread make excellent accompaniments, soaking up every last bit of cheesy crab goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Crab Casserole Recipe in mini ramekins for elegant individual portions at your next dinner party or spoon it over toasted baguette slices as a decadent appetizer. You could also scoop portions onto fresh lettuce leaves for a lighter, fresh option that still delivers on flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover Crab Casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This lets the flavors meld even further, making your leftovers just as delightful as the first serving.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well, perfect for planning ahead. Wrap it securely in foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. For that crispy topping, uncover during the last 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the casserole soggy.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While lump crab meat provides the best texture and flavor, canned crab meat works fine in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Is this Crab Casserole Recipe spicy?
This recipe has just a mild kick from the Old Bay seasoning and black pepper, which complements but doesn’t overpower the crab’s natural flavor. You can adjust the seasoning to taste if you prefer it spicier.
Can I make this vegetarian?
The crab is the star here, so omitting it means the dish won’t be the same. However, you could swap crab for a mix of finely chopped artichoke hearts and hearts of palm for a seafood-free but still flavorful casserole.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you want a lighter version, cream cheese can be replaced with ricotta or mascarpone, which still gives a creamy texture but with a different flavor profile.
How should I serve leftovers?
Leftover Crab Casserole tastes great reheated on its own or served over rice or pasta for a quick and satisfying meal. You can also spoon it onto crackers or toasted bread slices as a delicious snack.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Crab Casserole Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cozy hug full of rich flavors and inviting textures. It’s a dish that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for those times you want to impress without stress. I can’t wait for you to dig in and make this at your next gathering or weeknight dinner—it’s a delicious celebration waiting to happen.
Print
Crab Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and flavorful Crab Casserole combines tender lump crab meat with a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and sharp cheeses, baked to golden perfection with a buttery breadcrumb topping. A perfect dish for seafood lovers looking for a comforting, savory casserole that’s easy to prepare and serves six.
Ingredients
Crab Mixture
- 1 lb lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup green onions or chives, chopped (divided)
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium baking dish to prepare it for the casserole.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In a skillet, melt a small amount of butter and sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Add cheeses and aromatics: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the sautéed onions and garlic into the cream cheese mixture.
- Fold in crab meat: Gently fold in the lump crab meat along with half of the chopped green onions or chives, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much to maintain its texture.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spread the crab mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Prepare topping: Combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole surface.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling and the breadcrumbs have turned golden brown. For an extra crisp topping, broil the casserole briefly for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining green onions or chives on top as a fresh garnish. Serve warm and enjoy this rich and creamy seafood casserole.
Notes
- To avoid shells in your crab, carefully pick through the crab meat before mixing it into the casserole.
- If you prefer a less rich dish, substitute light sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Old Bay seasoning adds a classic seafood flavor, but you can adjust the spices to your taste preferences.
- Use fresh green onions or chives for a mild, fresh garnish that complements the creamy casserole.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Broil cautiously as the topping can burn quickly under high heat.
