Poor Man'S Crab Imperial
A hearty, creamy seafood casserole featuring crabmeat and vegetables, topped with cheese. Perfect for family dinners and special occasions, offering comforting flavors with a crispy topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion, celery, and chopped pepper until tender.
- Mix sautéed vegetables with crabmeat and mayonnaise.
- Spread three-quarters of the bread mixture in a baking dish.
- Add the remaining bread on top of the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs and milk together.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread and crab mixture.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 350°F. Remove from oven.
- Spread undiluted cream of mushroom soup evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the soup.
- Bake for an additional 45 minutes at 325°F until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Old Bay seasoning or a splash of lemon juice in the crab mixture. If you're short on crabmeat, you can substitute with canned tuna or a mix of crab and shrimp for a delicious twist. Using a crusty bread like sourdough can enhance the texture and flavor, making it a great option for this dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish can be served as a hearty main course, perfect alongside a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables for balance. Consider pairing it with a chilled glass of white wine or a light beer for a delightful meal. It also pairs beautifully with Fish-Vegetable Medley for a complete seafood experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-4 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain the dish's texture and prevents it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Poor Man'S Crab Imperial contains roughly 964 calories, with 13g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (43% of the Daily Value), iron (41% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 852mg per serving (37% 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 crabmeat for this recipe?
Yes, frozen crabmeat can be used in this recipe. Just ensure it's thawed properly and drained of excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help maintain the dish's consistency and flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the bread with gluten-free bread or a gluten-free bread crumb mixture. Additionally, check that your mayonnaise and cream of mushroom soup are also gluten-free to keep the entire dish compliant.
What can I serve with Poor Man's Crab Imperial?
This dish goes well with a light garden salad, steamed asparagus, or garlic green beans. You might also consider serving it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors. For a heartier meal, pair it with Crabmeat And Shrimp Pistolettes.
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).