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Creamy Crab Imperial Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/creamy-crab-imperial-recipe/