🦀 Crab Casserole Recipe

This hearty crab casserole is loaded with flavor and features a delightful blend of crab meat, creamy sauce, and a crunchy topping. It’s an easy dish that’s sure to impress!

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained and picked over)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (or chives)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seafood seasoning)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs)
• 3 tbsp butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp paprika (for color and flavor)

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🔪 Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2️⃣ Mix the Casserole Filling

• In a large bowl, gently combine crab meat, cooked rice, mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, lemon juice, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much.

3️⃣ Transfer to Baking Dish

• Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

4️⃣ Prepare the Topping

• In a separate bowl, mix together crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and paprika.
• Sprinkle the topping evenly over the crab mixture.

5️⃣ Bake the Casserole

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.

6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy

• Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra green onions or parsley if desired.

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⏳ Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8

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💡 Tips for the Best Crab Casserole

✅ Use fresh crab meat for the best flavor, but canned crab works in a pinch.
✅ Customize it – Add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
✅ Make it ahead – Prepare the casserole and store it in the fridge (uncooked) for up to 24 hours before baking.
✅ Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added freshness!

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📦 Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave.

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