Company Crab
Company Crab is a rich, creamy seafood casserole featuring crabmeat, artichokes, and mushrooms, topped with cheese and crumbs, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw crabmeat if frozen; drain and remove any shell or cartilage.
- Cut artichoke hearts in half.
- Place artichoke hearts in a well-greased shallow 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Layer with mushrooms and crabmeat over the artichokes.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Blend in flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and seasonings.
- Gradually add half and half cream, cooking until thick, stirring constantly.
- Stir in sherry.
- Pour the sauce over the crabmeat mixture.
- Combine crumbled cornflakes and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the sauce.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a bit more half and half or even a splash of cream cheese for richness. If fresh crabmeat is unavailable, canned crabmeat works as a substitute, but ensure it's well-drained. To enhance flavor, you can add some chopped green onions or a squeeze of lemon juice to the mixture. This dish pairs beautifully with Golden Shrimp Casserole for a seafood feast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It makes an excellent appetizer as well, especially when paired with a light white wine. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside Eastern Shore Crab Cakes to create a delightful seafood spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the crabmeat. If it seems dry, a splash of cream can help restore moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Company Crab contains roughly 422 calories, with 16g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (179% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (91% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 693mg per serving (30% 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 use a different type of seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! While crabmeat is the star here, you can substitute it with shrimp, lobster, or even a blend of seafood for variety. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Ensure that all canned ingredients, like the artichokes and mushrooms, are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this delicious seafood recipe without any gluten concerns.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day ahead by assembling all the layers in the casserole dish and refrigerating it. Just remember to add the crumb topping right before baking to keep it crispy. Bake it fresh when you're ready to serve for the best results.
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).