Could seafood casseroles really transform your family dinners into memorable occasions?
You might be surprised by how these crab-centric dishes blend creamy textures with delicate seafood flavors to create pure comfort food magic.
When you serve a bubbling crab casserole at your table, you’ll notice the way faces light up and conversation flows.
From the buttery richness of Crab Imperial to spicy Cajun interpretations, these nine recipes offer something for every palate and occasion.
Creamy Garlic Butter Crab Casserole
This indulgent casserole combines succulent crab meat with a rich garlic butter sauce and a golden breadcrumb topping for a decadent dinner that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lump crab meat
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 3: Sprinkle flour over butter and whisk for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth.
Step 4: Simmer until sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan, parsley, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Gently fold in crab meat and lemon juice, being careful not to break up the lumps too much.
Step 6: Transfer mixture to prepared dish. Combine panko with olive oil and sprinkle evenly over top.
Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Serving size: 1/6 of casserole
Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Crab Bake
This light and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired crab casserole combines succulent crabmeat with bright lemon, aromatic herbs, and a crispy breadcrumb topping for a delightful seafood dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lump crabmeat, picked over for shells
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly oil a 2-quart baking dish.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes.
Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in tomatoes, lemon juice, lemon zest, and herbs. Gently fold in crabmeat.
Step 4: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt with half the feta cheese. Fold into the crab mixture and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Mix breadcrumbs with remaining feta and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle over the casserole.
Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 285 per serving
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
Spicy Cajun Crab and Rice Casserole
This zesty Cajun crab casserole combines sweet crabmeat with spicy seasonings and fluffy rice for a hearty meal.
The creamy texture and bold flavors make it perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh crabmeat, picked over for shells
- 2 cups cooked long-grain rice
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell peppers, celery, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Fold in crabmeat, cooked rice, and half the cheese. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
Step 6: Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Garnish with green onions and parsley before serving.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Serving size: 1 cup
Cheesy Crab and Spinach Delight
This creamy casserole combines sweet crab meat with nutrient-rich spinach and a cheesy topping for a satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions when you want to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh crab meat
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Step 3: Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine crab meat, spinach mixture, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, half the mozzarella, cheddar cheese, paprika, salt and pepper.
Step 5: Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and breadcrumbs.
Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fiber: 2g
Moroccan-Spiced Crab With Couscous Casserole
This aromatic Moroccan-inspired casserole combines succulent crab meat with warm spices and fluffy couscous for a delightful one-dish meal that’s perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1½ cups couscous
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly oil a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and spices, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine couscous and hot vegetable broth. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Step 4: Gently fold the crab meat, vegetable mixture, herbs, and lemon juice into the couscous. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish, sprinkle with almonds, and bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and lightly golden on top.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Serves: 6
Coconut Curry Crab Casserole With Jasmine Rice
This fragrant casserole combines sweet crab meat with aromatic curry and creamy coconut milk, served over fluffy jasmine rice for a complete meal that brings tropical flavors to your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lump crab meat
- 2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lime, juiced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook jasmine rice according to package directions using vegetable broth instead of water.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and bell pepper, cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in curry powder, turmeric, ginger, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in coconut milk, bring to a gentle simmer. Fold in crab meat carefully to avoid breaking lumps. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Spread cooked rice in a 9×13 casserole dish. Pour the crab mixture over the rice, gently spreading it evenly.
Step 6: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, squeeze lime juice over the top and garnish with cilantro before serving.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 385 per serving
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
Classic Crab Imperial Casserole
This luxurious casserole features sweet lump crabmeat in a creamy sauce with a golden topping.
Perfect for special occasions, it’s elegant yet simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lump crabmeat, picked over for shells
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup minced shallots
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs, divided
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
Step 2: In a large bowl, gently combine crabmeat, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, bell pepper, shallots, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), and ¼ cup breadcrumbs.
Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Transfer mixture to prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly.
Step 4: Mix remaining ¼ cup breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 20g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Serving size: ½ cup
Seafood Medley: Crab and Shrimp Casserole
This creamy seafood casserole combines sweet crab meat with tender shrimp in a rich, cheesy sauce, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust for a delicious main dish that’s perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lump crab meat
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until melted. Gradually stir in heavy cream, then add both shredded cheeses, lemon juice, and seasonings.
Step 4: Gently fold in crab meat and shrimp, being careful not to break up the crab too much.
Step 5: Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over top.
Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 480 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Serving size: 1 cup
Crispy Topped Crab and Artichoke Gratin
This luxurious gratin combines sweet crab meat with tender artichoke hearts, all baked under a golden, crispy topping for an elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, green onions, garlic, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning until well combined.
Step 3: Gently fold in the crab meat and artichoke hearts, being careful not to break up the crab too much. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
Step 5: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, remaining cheeses, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the crab mixture.
Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and the top is golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 380 per serving
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
Final Thoughts
Your crab casserole journey doesn’t end here.
These nine recipes will transform your dinner table into a coastal retreat where comfort meets elegance.
From the buttery garlic embrace of creamy classics to the exotic spices of Moroccan and curry-infused creations, you’ll find options for every palate.
Don’t wait—dive into these decadent dishes and watch as they become treasured favorites in your family’s culinary repertoire.
