Elegant Crab
An elegant crab casserole featuring tender crab meat, fresh vegetables, and a cheesy, creamy topping, perfect for special occasions or family dinners with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place half of the bread, broken into pieces, to cover the bottom of a 4-quart deep casserole.
- Mix crab meat, mayonnaise, chopped onion, chopped celery, chopped green pepper, and salt to taste.
- Spoon the crab mixture over the bread in the casserole.
- Top with the remaining bread slices.
- Mix eggs and milk together and pour over the casserole.
- Refrigerate for 12 hours.
- One and one-half hours before serving, bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some Old Bay seasoning to the crab mixture. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. Leftover crab can also be used in recipes like Salmon Or Tuna Croquettes or even added to a classic chowder for extra depth. Ensure that the crab is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This Elegant Crab casserole is excellent when served with a light salad or steamed vegetables, such as Microwave Asparagus Clam Chowder, for a refreshing contrast. For a more decadent meal, pair it with crusty bread or a side of roasted potatoes. It also makes a delightful brunch dish, perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Elegant Crab contains roughly 1407 calories, with 14g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1229mg per serving (53% 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! Fresh crab meat will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Just ensure that it is properly cooked and thoroughly drained before mixing it with the other ingredients. Fresh crab can be a delightful twist on this classic casserole.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the casserole for 12 hours?
Refrigerating the casserole for 12 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more cohesive dish. However, if you're short on time, you can still bake it after 1-2 hours in the fridge, though the flavors may not be as developed.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it completely and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it. Just remember to account for additional baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
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).