If you’ve ever dreamed of a rich, creamy seafood casserole bubbling with golden cheese, this Golden Cheesy Crab Bake will make that dream a delicious reality. It’s the perfect combination of sweet crab meat, creamy sauce, and melted cheese—all baked to perfection with a buttery golden crust. This dish feels fancy enough for a dinner party but is simple enough to make any day of the week. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a decadent side, it’s sure to steal the spotlight on your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this Golden Cheesy Crab Bake irresistible isn’t just its incredible flavor—it’s how easy it is to prepare. You don’t need to be a professional chef to impress your guests. The base of tender crab meat is elevated with creamy cheeses, a hint of spice, and just the right amount of crunch from breadcrumbs. Every bite is rich, satisfying, and deeply comforting. Plus, this recipe is versatile—use it as a dip with crackers, serve it over rice or pasta, or enjoy it straight from the casserole dish with a fork.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh or canned lump crab meat, drained
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning for a kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the crab meat, green onions, and half of the shredded cheeses. Stir gently to avoid breaking the crab chunks.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top.
- Add the remaining mozzarella and cheddar on top for that irresistible golden finish.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Tips & Tricks 🍴
- Use real crab meat for the best flavor. If you’re using imitation crab, adjust the salt slightly, as it can be a bit saltier.
- Add spice: Mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you like a little heat.
- Texture boost: For an extra crispy topping, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
- Serving ideas: This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or buttered rice. You can even serve it as a dip at parties with toasted baguette slices or crackers.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10–12 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
- Freeze: You can freeze before baking—just cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Bake directly from frozen for 45–50 minutes.
Nutrition Information per Serving (approx.) 🍤
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 34 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
Final Thoughts
This Golden Cheesy Crab Bake combines everything you crave in comfort food—creamy, cheesy richness balanced by the sweet, delicate flavor of crab. It’s a dish that feels both indulgent and heartwarming, perfect for holidays, special dinners, or cozy weekend nights. Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your go-to seafood favorites. Serve it hot, bubbling, and golden—and watch it disappear in minutes!
