Name: Crab Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lump crab meat (picked over for shells); 1 cup cooked white rice; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter

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If you’ve ever craved comfort food with a touch of elegance, let me introduce you to a truly irresistible Crab Casserole Recipe. This creamy, cheesy bake is loaded with succulent lump crab, zingy vegetables, and just the right blend of seasonings, all topped with a buttery panko crust. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking for something a bit special for your next gathering, this Crab Casserole Recipe has all the savory satisfaction and rich flavor you could ever hope for. Trust me, this is the kind of dish that gets talked about long after the plates are clean!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Crab Casserole Recipe was chosen for a purpose: bringing out delicate flavors, adding richness, and giving that crave-worthy texture. You likely already have many of these on hand, and together they create a dreamy combination you’ll want to make again and again!

Lump crab meat: The star of the show—choose good-quality for the sweetest, juiciest flavor.
Cooked white rice: Acts as a gentle base that soaks up creamy goodness and lets the crab shine.
Mayonnaise: Lends silky richness and helps bind all the ingredients together.
Sour cream: Adds irresistible tang and balances out the cheese and mayo beautifully.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the casserole, bringing a classic creamy sharpness.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a savory, nutty layer that punches up flavor.
Chopped green onions: For a fresh, gentle bite that brightens up every forkful.
Diced red bell pepper: Adds sweet crunch and lovely pops of color.
Lemon juice: Lifts and brightens the seafood flavors just the right amount.
Old Bay seasoning: The essential seasoning for Chesapeake flavor appeal—don’t skip it!
Garlic powder: Wakes up all the flavors with a subtle, savory character.
Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
Panko breadcrumbs: For that irresistibly crisp, golden crust on top.
Melted butter: Ensures a rich, toasty finish every time.

How to Make Crab Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Let’s get things started! Preheat your oven to 375°F, and grab a 9×9-inch baking dish. Give it a quick grease—either with butter or a light spray of oil. This will keep your casserole from sticking and makes cleanup an absolute breeze.

Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the star players: lump crab meat (already checked for shells), cooked white rice, mayonnaise, sour cream, cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, green onions, red bell pepper, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Blend just until combined—be careful not to overmix, since you want nice big pieces of crab throughout your casserole.

Step 3: Fill the Baking Dish

Once your mixture looks creamy and inviting, transfer it into your prepared baking dish. Spread the filling evenly, smoothing out the top so the crust will brown beautifully.

Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

Now for that essential, buttery crunch! In a small bowl, toss together panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Make sure all the crumbs get a good buttery coating. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over your casserole, making sure every inch is gently covered.

Step 5: Bake It Up

Slide your casserole into the hot oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is gloriously golden and the filling is bubbling along the edges. Let it rest for about 5 minutes after baking—this helps it set up for perfect scooping and serving.

How to Serve Crab Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

The right finishing touch makes all the difference. Sprinkle on extra green onions, a little fresh parsley, or even a dash of paprika for a pop of color. A lemon wedge on the side lets everyone brighten up their plate to taste.

Side Dishes

This Crab Casserole Recipe sings alongside a crisp green salad—think arugula, cucumber, and a squeeze of lemon. For something more filling, serve with roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, or buttery dinner rolls to soak up all that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Individual ramekins make for a stunning dinner party presentation. Or, serve on small plates over a bed of lightly dressed greens for a pretty appetizer. If you want to get cozy, simply spoon generous portions right from the baking dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Cover the cooled Crab Casserole Recipe tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its creamy texture or flavor.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze some for later, let the casserole cool completely. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and again in foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep beautifully for up to 2 months—just label with the date to keep track.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the Crab Casserole Recipe in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 20 minutes). Uncover for the last 5 minutes if you want to refresh that golden crust. Smaller portions can be reheated in the microwave for a quick lunch.

FAQs

Can I use canned crab instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While fresh lump crab gives the most delicate texture and sweet flavor, good-quality canned crab can work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to drain it very well and pick out any bits of shell.

What can I use instead of panko for the topping?

If you’re out of panko, crushed Ritz crackers or regular breadcrumbs make a delicious substitute. You’ll still get that crisp, golden finish that makes this Crab Casserole Recipe so tempting.

Is it possible to assemble this Crab Casserole Recipe in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead (just leave the topping off until right before baking for maximum crunch). Store covered in the fridge and add the buttered panko immediately before it goes in the oven.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

You sure can—simply swap out the panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternative or gluten-free crackers. Double-check all your other ingredients to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.

What’s the best way to keep the crab from breaking up?

Gently fold the crab in at the end, and avoid overmixing. Using your hands or a soft spatula helps preserve those lovely, chunky bites that make every forkful of this Crab Casserole Recipe extra satisfying.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dive into this luscious, bubbly Crab Casserole Recipe! It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it just as perfect for a quick weeknight dinner as it is for treating your favorite people. Give it a try, and I’m willing to bet it’ll become one of your most-requested, go-to recipes!

Crab Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Crab Casserole recipe is a creamy and flavorful seafood dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. Made with lump crab meat, rice, cheeses, and a blend of seasonings, this baked casserole is easy to prepare and a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Crab Casserole Ingredients:

1 pound lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
1 cup cooked white rice
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, cooked rice, mayonnaise, sour cream, cheeses, vegetables, lemon juice, and seasonings. Mix gently and spread into the baking dish.
Add breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.