Irresistible Cheesy Crab Casserole Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Comfort food takes on a delightful twist with this mouthwatering cheesy crab casserole that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Packed with succulent seafood and a rich, creamy texture, this dish blends marine flavors with classic comfort.

Golden-brown and bubbling with cheesy goodness, the casserole emerges from the oven as a show-stopping meal.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of tender crab and melted cheese that melts in your mouth.

The secret lies in selecting fresh, high-quality crab meat and combining it with a blend of carefully chosen ingredients.

Creamy, decadent, and utterly irresistible, this casserole will become a new favorite at your dinner table.

Prepare to wow your guests with this simple yet sophisticated seafood delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 265 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Crab Casserole

• Sour Cream: Creamy foundation that adds richness and tangy depth to the dish.
• Mayonnaise: Provides smooth, velvety texture and enhances overall creaminess.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, melt-in-your-mouth cheesy flavor and golden color.

• Celery: Adds crisp texture and subtle earthy undertone.
• Green Onions: Introduces mild, fresh onion kick and vibrant color.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and cuts through richness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes deep, umami complexity.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend with warm, zesty notes.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle, aromatic background warmth.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and elevating overall taste profile.

• Crab Meat: Star ingredient offering delicate, sweet oceanic flavor – choose fresh or high-quality canned for best results.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates delightful crispy golden crust – panko works wonderfully for extra crunch.
• Butter: Helps breadcrumbs achieve beautiful golden-brown finish and adds richness.

Tools to Make Crab Casserole Shine

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly and thoroughly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• 9×9-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for gently folding crab meat without breaking it.
• Sharp Knife: Handy for chopping green onions and celery.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if using block cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Oven Mitts: Necessary for safely handling hot baking dishes.

Directions for Cooking Crab Casserole

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350 degrees, getting ready for a delicious seafood adventure.

• Whip Together the Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together tangy sour cream, rich mayonnaise, sharp cheddar, chopped celery, zesty green onions, bright lemon juice, savory Worcestershire sauce, aromatic Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is perfectly combined.

• Gently Introduce the Crab

Carefully fold the delicate crab meat into the creamy mixture, making sure to keep the chunks intact and preserve the tender texture.

• Transfer to Baking Dish

Smoothly transfer the luxurious mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly for maximum deliciousness.

• Add Crispy Topping (Optional)

Sprinkle buttery breadcrumbs across the top for an irresistible golden crunch that will make mouths water.

• Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling is bubbling with excitement.

• Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool slightly, then dive into this creamy, seafood masterpiece that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

Tips for Nailing Crab Casserole Every Time

• Use a gentle folding technique when mixing crab meat to preserve its delicate texture and prevent breaking the chunks into small pieces.
• Always choose fresh, high-quality lump crab meat for the most authentic and flavorful casserole experience.
• Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version that maintains a crispy topping.
• Ensure all ingredients like Worcestershire sauce and breadcrumbs are gluten-free, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends like cajun seasoning or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor and heat.

Ways to Serve Crab Casserole with Style

• Coastal Dinner Companion: Pair this rich crab casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the creamy texture.
• Seafood Feast Platter: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, wild rice pilaf, or buttery garlic bread to create a complete maritime-inspired meal that highlights the delicate crab flavors.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh chives, parsley, or dill on top just before serving to add brightness and a pop of color that elevates the dish's visual appeal and provides a subtle herbal freshness.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the casserole with a chilled glass of unoaked Chardonnay or a light Sauvignon Blanc, which will cut through the richness and enhance the seafood's delicate taste.

Stash and Reheat Crab Casserole with Ease

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing frozen casserole portions for quick future meals lasting up to 2 months – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Divide casserole into individual serving sizes using meal prep containers, making grab-and-go lunches or dinners super convenient for busy weeks.
• Warm refrigerated portions in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out, which helps maintain the original creamy texture and delicious taste.

Cheesy Crab Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comfort meets coastal charm in this delightful Crab Casserole, blending tender seafood with creamy textures and rich flavors. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this dish a perfect centerpiece for family gatherings or elegant dinner parties you’ll want to savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (75 g) diced celery
• ¼ cup (25 g) chopped green onions
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs (optional topping)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) melted butter (optional topping)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and generously coat a baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Mixing Base: Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, diced celery, chopped green onions, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking until smooth and well-incorporated.
3. Incorporating Seafood: Tenderly fold delicate crab meat into the creamy mixture, ensuring minimal disruption to the protein’s natural texture and maintaining large, distinctive chunks.
4. Assembly and Topping: Transfer the maritime blend into the prepared baking dish, then elegantly distribute buttered breadcrumbs across the surface for a crisp, golden-brown finish.
5. Baking: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and roast uncovered for 30-35 minutes, watching for a bubbling perimeter and a richly caramelized top that signals perfect doneness.
6. Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, permitting flavors to settle and making portioning easier, then serve warm as a luxurious main course or sophisticated side dish.

Notes

• Handle crab meat gently to maintain delicate chunks and prevent breaking during mixing.
• Drain excess moisture from crab meat before incorporating to ensure a creamy, not runny, consistency.
• Adjust Old Bay and spice levels according to personal taste preference without overwhelming the delicate crab flavor.
• Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers for dietary restrictions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 80mg