Description
Looking for a rich, easy recipe that wows every time? Creamy Crab Imperial is a seafood lover’s dream — a decadent, buttery blend of lump crabmeat, creamy dressing, and a golden breadcrumb topping. It’s perfect as a quick dinner idea, a holiday appetizer, or part of your easy dinner rotation. With bold flavors from Old Bay seasoning and the luscious texture of real crab, this dish fits right into your list of easy food ideas and elegant seafood recipes. Whether you’re hosting guests or craving a comforting seafood fix, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
Ingredients
1 lb lump crabmeat (fresh or pasteurized, shell removed)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon chopped pimentos or diced red bell pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or buttery cracker crumbs)
2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a shallow baking dish or ramekins.
2. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, paprika, Old Bay, and the egg.
3. Gently fold in the crabmeat, pimentos, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix lightly to keep crab intact.
4. Spoon mixture into baking dish. Combine breadcrumbs and melted butter; sprinkle over the top.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra crispness if desired.
6. Let cool slightly. Garnish with paprika and parsley before serving.
Notes
Always fold crab gently to avoid breaking the lumps.
Add a splash of sherry or cream cheese for extra richness if desired.
Fresh lemon juice and full-fat mayo boost flavor noticeably.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / East Coast
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: creamy crab imperial, seafood bake, crab casserole, holiday seafood, easy crab recipe