Crab Hot Dish
A hearty seafood and rice casserole featuring crab, melted cheddar, and savory mushroom soup, perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, chopped onion, pimento, mushroom soup, and crab.
- Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Reserve half of the grated cheddar cheese for topping.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the chopped onion in a bit of butter before mixing it into the dish. If you don't have crab, you can substitute with canned tuna or cooked shrimp. Using brown rice instead of white can enhance the dish's nutritional value. For an extra cheesy topping, mix in some Parmesan cheese with the reserved cheddar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crab hot dish with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Helen'S Stuffed Mushrooms as an appetizer. You can also offer crusty bread on the side to soak up any creamy goodness. For a complete seafood experience, consider following it with Baked Bass Supreme.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the crab hot dish to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Hot Dish contains roughly 509 calories, with 42g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (84% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2258mg per serving (98% 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 frozen crab meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen crab meat. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the mixture. This will help maintain the consistency of the dish and prevent it from becoming watery.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the crab with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based seafood alternative. Additionally, using a vegetable-based soup instead of mushroom soup can enhance the vegetarian flavor profile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the cheese topping right before baking. This makes it a convenient option for gatherings or busy weeknights.
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).