Baked Crab Casserole
A creamy, savory crab casserole featuring tender crabmeat combined with crunchy celery, onions, green peppers, and a rich mayonnaise sauce. Topped with cheesy bread crumbs and baked until golden, this dish offers delightful flavors perfect for seafood lovers and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw crabmeat if frozen.
- Combine crabmeat, chopped celery, mayonnaise, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and salt in a bowl.
- Place the mixture in a well-greased 2-quart casserole or individual shells.
- Combine bread crumbs and grated Cheddar cheese; sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated and lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using sour cream in place of some mayonnaise. If you want a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Fresh crabmeat is ideal, but canned or frozen crabmeat works as well. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Crab Casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread or crackers for a delightful texture contrast. For a complete meal, complement it with a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea. Explore more seafood recipes for additional pairing ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Crab Casserole contains roughly 550 calories, with 6g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2616mg per serving (114% 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 a day in advance. Assemble it as directed but do not bake it. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you're ready, simply preheat the oven and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
What types of crabmeat should I use?
You can use fresh, canned, or frozen crabmeat for this recipe. Fresh lump crabmeat offers the best flavor and texture, while canned crabmeat is a convenient alternative. If using frozen, make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before using.
Can I add other ingredients to the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to enhance the flavor. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly to maintain balance in the dish.
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).