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Creamy Baked Crab and Cheese casserole

Creamy Baked Crab and Cheese Casserole

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
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.