Get ready to fall in love with this Crab Casserole Recipe, a jubilant marriage of succulent crab, creamy cheese, and aromatic spices that transforms weeknight dinners or special occasions into something truly memorable. Whether you’re craving comfort or aiming to impress, this dish delivers impressive flavors in every forkful: sweet crab meat, tender rice, a crispy buttery topping, and just enough zest from celery and Old Bay to keep you coming back for seconds. Perfect for cozy gatherings or potluck tables, this is one recipe you’ll want to share (but you might also want to keep it all to yourself).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crab Casserole Recipe really shines when you gather these simple yet essential ingredients. Each one has a role to play—some bring creaminess, others add crunch, and the right seasoning ties it all together for that craveable seafood richness.
- Lump Crab Meat: Choose the freshest you can find—sweet, tender chunks make all the difference, and picking out any lingering shells is essential.
- Cooked White Rice: This hearty filler soaks up all those creamy and savory flavors, giving perfect balance and body to every bite.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully into gooey, tangy richness that mingles with the crab.
- Mayonnaise: Contributes luxe creaminess and helps bind everything together without overpowering the delicate seafood.
- Sour Cream: Adds a touch of tang and a silky, tender texture to the mix.
- Celery (finely chopped): Delivers crunch and a burst of freshness for contrast.
- Green Onions (chopped): Mild onion flavor that lifts the dish with a hint of brightness and color.
- Lemon Juice: Wakes up all the flavors with a lively citrus note.
- Old Bay Seasoning: The classic secret weapon—perfectly balanced for seafood and packed with personality.
- Garlic Powder: Blends in seamless, savory depth that supports the crab rather than overwhelming it.
- Black Pepper: A little heat and complexity round out the flavor profile.
- Crushed Buttery Crackers (like Ritz): These create that unforgettable crispy golden top everyone fights over.
- Melted Butter: Helps those crackers turn perfectly golden and adds a rich flavor boost.
- Chopped Parsley (for garnish): Finishes the look and adds an extra pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Crab Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F. A hot oven ensures the Crab Casserole Recipe becomes bubbly and golden in all the right ways. Next, grease an 8×8-inch baking dish—this little prep step guarantees easy serving and cleanup later.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the crab meat, cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, finely chopped celery, green onions, lemon juice, Old Bay, garlic powder, and black pepper. Try to fold the mixture instead of stirring aggressively—you want to keep those luxurious chunks of crab intact. This combination is creamy, zesty, and promising all at once.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer your crab mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for even baking. The filling should look lush and generous—don’t worry if it’s slightly lumpy from the crab and veggies, that’s exactly what you want!
Step 4: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the crushed buttery crackers and melted butter until every crumb is coated. Shower this mixture generously over the casserole. The topping will bake up beautifully golden and irresistibly crispy, making the Crab Casserole Recipe even more crave-worthy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes. When it’s done, the casserole will be bubbling, and the top will have transformed into a golden, crunchy lid. Let it rest for about 5 minutes so everything sets slightly and is easier to serve.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle a lush handful of freshly chopped parsley over the top. This not only adds a fresh, herby aroma, but also makes the whole dish pop with a final flash of color.
How to Serve Crab Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A scattering of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also experiment with thinly sliced chives or a dusting of extra Old Bay for a little more zip. If you love citrus, a few lemon wedges on the side let guests brighten their portions to taste.
Side Dishes
This Crab Casserole Recipe shines beside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or you can serve it with roasted asparagus, steamed broccolini, or classic buttered corn. A loaf of crusty bread for mopping up creamy bits is always a welcome addition!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, try spooning the casserole into individual ramekins for a festive touch. For a coastal dinner party vibe, serve it in cleaned crab shells or small baking dishes. Leftovers also make phenomenal stuffing for baked bell peppers or zucchini boats!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? Just cover the cooled casserole tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days, making for deliciously easy lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This Crab Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully before or after baking. If you freeze before baking, assemble the dish but don’t bake—instead wrap it well and freeze for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. After baking, individual portions can be packaged for a quick meal ready at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked goodness, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through and bubbly—this keeps the topping crisp. For smaller portions, a microwave will work (cover to avoid drying out), but the oven method really shines for texture.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab in this Crab Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While real lump crab brings the best flavor and texture, imitation crab is budget-friendly and still yields a tasty, satisfying casserole. Just cut it into bite-sized chunks and proceed with the recipe.
Is it possible to make this Crab Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole (minus the cracker topping) up to a day in advance. Add the cracker mixture right before baking to maintain the best crunch.
What can I use instead of white rice?
Cooked pasta, such as small shells or penne, works beautifully here, or swap in cooked quinoa for a slightly different texture and a bit of nuttiness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free crackers for the topping and ensure your Old Bay seasoning is gluten-free. Everything else in this Crab Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
Look for a bubbling, golden top and hot filling—it usually takes 25 to 30 minutes. If you’re unsure, insert a knife in the center; it should come out hot to the touch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so deeply comforting yet special about this Crab Casserole Recipe—it’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly and leaves everyone clamoring for the recipe. Dive in, make it your own, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your newest signature seafood favorite!
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Crab Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crab Casserole recipe is a delightful combination of lump crab meat, rice, cheddar cheese, and flavorful seasonings, baked to perfection with a crispy buttery cracker topping. A creamy and satisfying seafood dish that is sure to impress your family and guests.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the crab meat, rice, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, celery, green onions, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly with a golden brown top.
- Rest and Garnish: Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked pasta for the rice if desired.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
