Crab Dish
A rich and creamy crab casserole with sharp cheese and tender pasta, perfect for seafood lovers and comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the crab meat, milk, shell macaroni, and celery soup, then refrigerate overnight.
- Add grated sharp cheese to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered 9 x 12-inch baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a tablespoon of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture. If you can't find shell macaroni, any small pasta shape will work as a substitute. To enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of Old Bay seasoning or some sautéed onions and garlic to the mix. This dish is also a great way to use leftover crab from recipes like Easy Baked Stuffed Shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
This crab dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad dressed with Caesar Mayonnaise Dressing for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a light vegetable medley to round out the dinner. For added elegance, serve with a chilled white wine or a light lager to complement the seafood flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Dish contains roughly 175 calories, with 5g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value), iron (11% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% 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 fresh crab meat instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you're using fresh crab meat, make sure it's properly cooked and flaked before mixing it in. Fresh crab will add a more vibrant flavor and texture to the dish. Just be aware that you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the moisture content of fresh crab.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture before baking. Alternatively, you can sprinkle red pepper flakes on top just before serving. These additions will elevate the dish and provide a delightful contrast to the creamy base.
What can I substitute for celery soup?
If you don't have celery soup on hand, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. Alternatively, you can create a homemade version by blending sautéed celery, onion, and cream together, which will give you a similar flavor profile while allowing for more control over the ingredients.
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).