Description
Impress your guests with this *Creamy Crab Imperial* — a rich, oven-baked seafood dish that features tender lump crab meat folded into a seasoned mayo-egg base, topped with buttery golden breadcrumbs. It’s an easy recipe for dinner parties, holiday menus, or a quick seafood dinner idea. Whether you’re planning a cozy family meal or a show-stopping side dish, this crab imperial delivers flavor and elegance in every bite. A classic choice for seafood lovers and a standout addition to your favorite dinner ideas or holiday food ideas.
Ingredients
1 pound lump crab meat
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 large egg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
1. Gently pick through the lump crab meat to remove any bits of shell. Place the crab meat in a mixing bowl and set aside.
2. In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, egg, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and half of the chopped parsley.
3. Pour the mixture over the crab meat. Gently fold together with a spatula until just combined.
4. Spoon into a shallow baking dish or 4 individual ramekins. Smooth the tops.
5. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Drizzle with melted butter and dust with paprika.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
7. Garnish with remaining parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Be gentle when folding the crab to keep the meat in large pieces.
Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
For extra crisp topping, broil for the last 1–2 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: creamy crab imperial, seafood casserole, holiday crab dish, elegant seafood recipes, baked crab recipe