Imperial Crab Casserole
A rich, creamy crab casserole with green peppers and seasoned mayonnaise, baked to perfection. Ideal for seafood lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease the casserole dish.
- Mix the backfin crab meat, lightly beaten raw egg, minced hard-boiled egg, parboiled green pepper, mayonnaise, melted butter, salt, pepper, and crab seasoning.
- Place the mixture into the greased casserole dish.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise with milk.
- Pour the mayonnaise and milk mixture over the casserole.
- Sprinkle lightly with paprika.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
When preparing this Imperial Crab Casserole, ensure your crab meat is fresh for the best flavor. If you don't have backfin crab meat, lump crab meat can be a great substitute. For a bit of a kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or using a spicy crab seasoning. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can incorporate a bit of cream cheese into the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a complete seafood feast, consider serving it alongside dishes like Crab Cakes Ala Sally or Spicy Cajun Shrimp to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers of the Imperial Crab Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overheat it as this can make the crab tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Imperial Crab Casserole contains roughly 569 calories, with 9g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1826mg per serving (79% 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 canned crab meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned crab meat if fresh crab is not available. Just make sure to drain it well and check for any shell pieces before mixing it into your casserole. Canned crab meat is often more convenient and still provides a delicious result.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
To add some heat to your Imperial Crab Casserole, you can mix in cayenne pepper or use a spicier crab seasoning. Additionally, incorporating diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce can elevate the flavor profile and give it that extra kick.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. Just keep in mind that you might need to extend the baking time slightly if the casserole is cold 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).