Alaska King Crab Casserole
A rich, creamy crab casserole featuring tender Alaska king crab, mushrooms, herbs, and a flavorful sauce, perfect for seafood lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan; stir in flour and chicken stock.
- Add evaporated milk and cream of mushroom soup; cook slowly until thickened.
- Add more milk to make a medium sauce.
- Stir in curry powder, paprika, dry mustard, basil, parsley, mushrooms, salt, and lemon juice.
- Place crabmeat in a large casserole dish.
- Mix lemon juice with a fork into the crabmeat.
- Pour the sauce over the crabmeat and gently combine.
- Sprinkle with buttered bread crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper for a slight kick. If you don't have crabmeat, shrimp or lobster can be great substitutes. Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant taste, or swap the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version for a healthier option. Make sure to stir the sauce continuously to avoid lumps.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Alaska King Crab Casserole with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish. A light white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors well. For a heartier meal, pair it with garlic bread or a potato side dish, like mashed potatoes or baked potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Alaska King Crab Casserole contains roughly 1264 calories, with 3g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 136g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1185mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. When ready to cook, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
What type of crabmeat is best to use?
For the best flavor and texture, use fresh or frozen Alaska King Crab meat. If unavailable, lump crabmeat or even imitation crab can work in a pinch, though the flavor will differ. Ensure that any crabmeat you use is thoroughly cooked before mixing it into the casserole.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or peas for added nutrition and color. Just sauté them briefly before mixing with the sauce to ensure they are tender. This can enhance the overall flavor and make your casserole even more hearty.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).