Crab Imperial is a warm and creamy dish filled with delicious crab meat, spices, and topped with a golden layer of breadcrumbs. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl!
Making this dish feels fancy but is quite simple. I love serving it with a bit of lemon to brighten up the flavors—perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Lump Crab Meat: This is the star of the show! Fresh lump crab meat is best, but you can use canned crab if fresh isn’t available. Always drain it well. I prefer fresh because it’s more flavorful and has a better texture.
Mayonnaise: Regular mayo works great, but you can substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter option. It adds a nice tang. I sometimes mix half mayo and half yogurt to cut calories without losing creaminess.
Sour Cream: If you’re in a pinch, plain yogurt can substitute sour cream. It gives that creamy texture and tanginess. Sometimes I use a bit of cottage cheese blended smooth for extra protein.
Cream Cheese: For a lower-fat option, try Neufchâtel cheese instead. It has a similar texture and flavor. I often use herb cream cheese for added flavor.
Old Bay Seasoning: A classic for seafood! If you don’t have it, mix paprika, celery salt, and black pepper as a makeshift blend. I love to add a pinch of cayenne for some heat!
How Do You Ensure the Crab Imperial is Creamy Yet Delicious?
Getting the right creamy consistency without overpowering the crab is key. Start by incorporating the ingredients gently. Mixing too aggressively will break the crab apart.
- First, blend the sauces and seasonings until smooth, then gently fold in the crab and green onions. This keeps the crab chunks intact.
- If adding cheese, do it at the end after folding in the crab.
- Ensure your baking dish is greased well to avoid sticking. A layer of breadcrumbs on top gives a nice crunch that complements the creamy filling.
Delicious Crab Imperial Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crab Mixture:
- 1 pound lump crab meat
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Crab Imperial recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then 25-30 minutes to bake in the oven. Altogether, you’ll be enjoying this delicious dish in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dish cooks evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown.
2. Make the Crab Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well blended.
3. Fold in the Crab and Onions:
Now, gently fold in the lump crab meat and chopped green onions. Be careful not to break up the crab too much! If you want an extra cheesy flavor, gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese here.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Put the crab mixture into a greased baking dish or divide it into individual ramekins for smaller servings. Make sure it’s spread out evenly.
5. Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Stir them together until the breadcrumbs are nicely coated with butter. Then, sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the crab filling.
6. Bake the Dish:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is a lovely golden brown and the filling is hot throughout.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish the top with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Crab Imperial warm, either on its own or with crackers, bread, or as a tasty filling for puff pastry or mini tart shells. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Substitute the Crab Meat with Another Seafood?
Yes, you can use cooked shrimp or lobster as a substitute for crab meat! Just ensure the seafood is flaky or tender to maintain a similar texture. If using shrimp, coarsely chop them into bite-sized pieces.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the crab mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just wait to add the breadcrumb topping until you’re ready to bake. When ready to bake, spread the breadcrumbs over the crab mix and put it in the oven as directed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the crab mixture rubbery.
Can I Omit the Cheese from the Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter dish or want to keep it dairy-free, simply leave out the cheddar cheese. You can also increase the amount of mayonnaise or sour cream slightly to maintain creaminess.
