Prize Winning Crab
A rich and savory crab casserole featuring tender crab meat, flavorful seasonings, and a cheesy breadcrumb topping, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a skillet.
- Saute the grated onion and chopped green pepper in the butter until tender.
- Blend in the flour and cream of mushroom soup, stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Add the crab meat, lemon juice, prepared mustard, salt, pepper, and flavor seasoning to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Top with soft bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a 375°F oven until the top is golden brown.
- Serve directly from the casserole or in ramekins.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of Old Bay seasoning or using fresh crab meat if available. If you're out of cream of mushroom soup, a homemade version or any cream soup can be a suitable substitute. You can also swap in panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh Green Goddess Salad Dressing for a light side. Serve directly from the casserole or in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad can complement the richness of the crab.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out, reheating at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Prize Winning Crab contains roughly 1111 calories, with 7g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1952mg per serving (85% 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 imitation crab meat instead of real crab?
Yes, imitation crab meat can be used as a more economical alternative, but it may alter the dish's flavor and texture slightly. Keep in mind that real crab meat offers a richer taste and is more tender.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture. You could also mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or serve with a spicy tartar sauce on the side.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and assemble it in the casserole dish a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook it.
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).