Introduction

Creamy Crab Imperial is a rich and flavorful seafood dish perfect for entertaining or a special family dinner. It features tender lump crab meat blended with a tangy, cheesy sauce and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. This comforting casserole is sure to impress with every creamy, savory bite.

A white bowl filled with a baked dish that has two distinct layers: the bottom layer is creamy and pale yellow with a smooth texture, while the top layer is golden brown with crunchy breadcrumbs, topped with small green herb leaves. The creamy layer is soft and visible where a spoon with a long handle scoops some out from one side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a wooden board, and in the foreground, there is a wedge of yellow lemon and some green leaves scattered around, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb lump crab meat
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking dish or individual ramekins for the crab mixture.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
Step 3: Gently fold the lump crab meat into the mixture, being careful not to break up the crab too much to maintain its texture.
Step 4: Spoon the crab mixture into your prepared baking dish or divide evenly among ramekins.
Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the crab mixture to create a crunchy topping.
Step 6: Place the baking dish or ramekins in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor.
Step 8: Serve warm, either scooped directly from the dish or plated individually. Enjoy your creamy Crab Imperial!

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for better flavor and texture.
If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
Substitute panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier topping.
Try adding a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley or dill for a fresh herbal note.

Storage

Store any leftover Crab Imperial in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) until warmed through to maintain the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the topping soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a white ramekin filled with a creamy baked dish that appears to be a seafood casserole. The bottom layer is a pale, smooth, and creamy mixture with visible chunks of white seafood meat. On top, there is a thick golden-brown breadcrumb crust that looks crispy and crumbly, sprinkled with fresh green herb leaves for garnish. A silver spoon is scooping a portion from the ramekin, showing the creamy inside with the seafood chunks and the crunchy topping. The ramekin is set on a white marbled surface with some scattered green herb leaves around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned crab meat for this recipe?

Yes, canned crab meat can be used in a pinch, but fresh or frozen lump crab meat offers better texture and flavor for this dish.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the Crab Imperial a day before baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh just before serving for best results.

Creamy Crab Imperial Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 51 reviews

Creamy Crab Imperial is a rich and flavorful baked seafood dish featuring tender lump crab meat combined with a luscious mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese, enhanced by Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and aromatic seasonings. This dish is topped with crunchy breadcrumbs and baked until golden and bubbly, making it perfect as an appetizer or elegant main course.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Crab Mixture

1 lb lump crab meat
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping and Garnish

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper for topping
1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking dish or individual ramekins to receive the crab mixture for even cooking.
Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper if using, and salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended into a creamy base.
Add the Crab: Gently fold the lump crab meat into the mixture, taking care to keep the crab in large chunks for texture and avoid overmixing.
Transfer to the Baking Dish: Spoon or evenly distribute the crab mixture into the prepared baking dish or ramekins, smoothing the surface for an even bake.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the crab for a crunchy, flavorful crust.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the mixture is bubbling around the edges.
Garnish: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top to add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Serve Warm: Serve the Crab Imperial warm, either directly from the dish or transferred onto serving plates. Enjoy as an indulgent appetizer or main dish.

Notes

Ensure not to break up the lump crab meat too much to retain texture and maximize crab flavor.
You can substitute Parmesan with Romano or Asiago for a different cheesy profile.
Breadcrumb topping adds crunch but can be omitted for a gluten-free version; alternatively, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Adjust cayenne pepper amount or omit for less heat.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven.

Keywords: Crab Imperial, creamy crab recipe, baked crab dish, seafood appetizer, lump crab meat, creamy seafood bake