Creamy Baked Crab and Cheese Casserole – Chinese Buffet Style Comfort

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about that bubbling, golden-topped baked crab and cheese casserole you find at your favorite Chinese buffet—you know the one. It’s creamy, savory, slightly sweet, and always the first thing to disappear from the steam trays. This recipe brings that comforting, restaurant-style experience straight to your kitchen with a homemade version of the classic chinese buffet crab casserole recipe. With a velvety base of cream cheese, a generous amount of crab meat (real or imitation), and a cheesy crust that begs to be broken into, this dish is all about indulgence and simplicity. Whether you remember it from childhood buffet trips or just discovered it last weekend, this chinese buffet cheesy crab casserole is sure to become a regular in your weeknight rotation—or a standout on your potluck table.

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Creamy Baked Crab and Cheese Casserole

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Equipment

• Mixing bowl For combining the creamy base and crab.
• Hand mixer or spatula To ensure the cream cheese and mayo mixture is smooth.
• Casserole dish A 9x9-inch dish works well, but you can also use a medium oven-safe skillet.
• Oven Preheated for baking perfection.
• Knife and Cutting Board If you're chopping scallions or shrimp.

Ingredients

  

• 16 oz imitation crab meat or use lump crab meat or canned crab meat if preferred, shredded or chopped
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 cup mayonnaise preferably full-fat
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped scallions optional, for garnish
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup cooked shrimp for a crab and shrimp casserole version
• ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning for a touch of crab imperial recipe flair
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for umami depth

Instructions

 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your casserole dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and white pepper. Mix until smooth. A hand mixer helps here, but a sturdy spatula works too.

Step 3: Fold in Crab

1. Gently fold in your chopped or shredded imitation crab meat, or real lump crab if you’re going that route. If you’re adding cooked shrimp, fold that in now too. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Transfer to Casserole Dish

1. Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping

1. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top for that gooey, golden crust.

Step 6: Bake

1. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden brown. If you like a slightly more browned top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes—just keep an eye on it.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped scallions if desired, and serve hot.

Pairings

While this chinese buffet crab casserole stands tall on its own, a few pairings can elevate the meal into something truly memorable:

1. Rice Dishes

This casserole was practically made to sit atop a scoop of warm white rice or fried rice. The richness of the dish balances beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine or a basic egg fried rice.

2. Crispy Side Dishes

Balance the creaminess with something crunchy: think egg rolls, spring rolls, or even crisp wonton chips.

3. Vegetable Sides

Lighten things up with a simple stir-fried bok choy, garlic green beans, or a crisp Asian cucumber salad. These refreshing sides help cut through the richness of the cheese.

4. Soup Starter

Start with a small bowl of hot and sour soup or miso soup to warm up your palate before diving into the cheesy goodness.

5. Crab Cake Dinner Side Dishes

If you’re making this as part of a seafood spread (alongside crab cakes, perhaps), pair with coleslaw, roasted asparagus, or garlic mashed potatoes for a satisfying contrast.

FAQs

1. What type of crab meat works best for this recipe?

The most authentic Chinese buffet crab casserole ingredients often use imitation crab meat—it’s affordable, easy to work with, and delivers that nostalgic flavor. That said, you can absolutely upgrade with lump crab meat or even a mix of both for texture and flavor. Canned crab meat recipes also work in a pinch, just be sure to drain it well.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole (minus the final cheese topping) and refrigerate it up to 24 hours ahead. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, sprinkle with cheese, and bake as directed.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions.

4. Can I add other seafood?

Absolutely. This recipe turns into a delicious crab and shrimp casserole with the simple addition of cooked shrimp. A little scallop or even finely chopped cooked fish can work too if you’re adventurous.

5. Is this similar to crab imperial or crab au gratin?

In some ways, yes. Like a crab imperial recipe, this dish uses mayonnaise and crab as a base, but the addition of cream cheese and mozzarella gives it a cheesier, more casserole-like feel—closer to a crab au gratin recipe or even a seafood mac and cheese without the pasta.