Hot Casserole Of Crab Meat(My Standby For Luncheons)
A comforting crab casserole layered with bread, cheese, and crab meat, topped with a creamy mushroom sauce. Perfect for elegant luncheons or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place 6 slices of bread in the bottom of a 13 x 17-inch casserole dish.
- Spread shredded sharp cheese and crab meat over the bread, ensuring to remove scales from the crab meat.
- Cover with the remaining 6 slices of bread to form a sandwich layer.
- Pour beaten eggs, milk, and salt over the layered bread and let stand overnight.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for 1 hour, or until set and golden.
- If needed, continue baking for an additional 15 minutes for thorough cooking.
- Prepare a sauce by adding fresh mushrooms to cream of mushroom soup.
- Serve the casserole topped with the mushroom soup and mushroom sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of crab meat and shrimp, like in Aunt Edna'S Shrimp Dip. If you want a lighter version, substitute half of the milk with low-fat yogurt. Ensure the bread is stale or lightly toasted to prevent sogginess. You can also add spices like Old Bay seasoning to enhance the seafood taste.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a brunch setting, consider serving it alongside E Z Hot Dish or Crabmeat Dip(Club Member: Nicholas Thompson) for a delightful seafood spread. A light white wine can complement the flavors wonderfully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Casserole Of Crab Meat(My Standby For Luncheons) contains roughly 404 calories, with 7g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 539mg per serving (23% 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 instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen crab meat, but make sure to thaw and drain it properly before adding it to the casserole. Fresh crab meat will provide the best flavor, but frozen is a convenient alternative if fresh isn't available.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the crab meat with sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or artichokes. Adding a variety of cheeses can also enhance the flavor and texture of the casserole.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can make a homemade version by combining sautéed mushrooms with a cream sauce or use a different cream soup, such as cream of chicken or celery, as a substitute.
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).