Imitation Crab Casserole
A creamy, savory casserole featuring imitation crab, eggs, vegetables, and cheese croutons, perfect for family dinners or potlucks with rich flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
- 1 block butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 8 or more fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 to 2 lb. imitation crab, shredded ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. monosodium glutamate (optional) ⓘ
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 2 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 pkg. garlic and cheese croutons ⓘ
- 1/4 pkg. frozen peas (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter or margarine.
- Saute chopped onion, chopped celery, and sliced mushrooms.
- Add shredded imitation crab and seasonings; mix well.
- Add chopped hard-boiled eggs and mayonnaise; mix well.
- Add croutons and frozen peas; mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish coated with cooking spray.
- Cover the casserole and bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mixture of butter and olive oil for sautéing the vegetables. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, Greek yogurt can be used in place of mayonnaise. You can also add some shredded cheese for extra creaminess. If fresh mushrooms are unavailable, canned mushrooms can substitute, but drain them well before adding.
Serving Suggestions
This Imitation Crab Casserole makes a delightful main dish, especially when paired with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. It also works well as a side dish for grilled seafood recipes like Grilled Salmon With Raspberry Sauce. Consider serving it with a light, refreshing drink such as iced tea or lemonade to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Imitation Crab Casserole contains roughly 1199 calories, with 18g protein, 154g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 963mg per serving (42% 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 real crab instead of imitation crab?
Yes, you can use real crab meat instead of imitation crab for a more authentic flavor. Just be sure to adjust the quantity according to your preference, as real crab is usually more flavorful. Keep in mind that this may also increase the cost of the dish.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the casserole by adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Just make sure to sauté them briefly before mixing them in to ensure they cook thoroughly in the casserole.
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).