Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that captures the essence of Southern coastal cooking with this mouthwatering Crab Imperial recipe! Imagine a dish so rich, creamy, and packed with succulent crab meat that it'll transport you straight to the sunny shores of the Gulf Coast. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking to impress your dinner guests, this recipe is your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb lump crab meat
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently pick through the lump crab meat to remove any shell fragments, being careful not to break up the delicate meat too much.
- In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, diced bell pepper, diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.
- Carefully fold the prepared sauce mixture into the lump crab meat, using a gentle folding motion to prevent breaking up the crab meat.
- Transfer the crab mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs and shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the crab mixture.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a lemon wedge if desired. Pairs well with a light salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Quality Matters: Always use fresh, high-quality lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture.
- Handle with Care: When mixing the crab meat, use a gentle folding technique to preserve the delicate chunks of crab.
- Seasoning Secret: Don't skimp on the Old Bay seasoning - it's the key to authentic Gulf Coast flavor.
- Cheese Choice: Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best melting and flavor.
- Baking Precision: Watch the dish carefully in the last 5-10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle and make serving easier.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate, adding the breadcrumb topping just before baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
