Southern-Style Crab Casserole Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a good crab casserole recipe — creamy, savory, and bubbling at the edges. Whether it’s served at a coastal summer cookout or a holiday gathering, this dish brings everyone to the table. Made with rich lump crab meat and baked to golden perfection, this Southern classic never goes out of style. If you’re looking for a crab casserole recipe that feels like home, you’ve just found it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this comforting crab casserole recipe, gather the following:

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
• 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Butter or cooking spray, for greasing

Lump crab meat is the gold standard for a crab casserole recipe — sweet, tender, and full of that briny flavor we all crave. If you’re curious about crab varieties, nutrition, or how it’s sourced, the National Fisheries Institute offers a helpful guide to sustainable seafood.

Optional Additions: For extra flavor, stir in a pinch of cayenne or a tablespoon of chopped parsley.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. This step ensures your crab casserole recipe doesn’t stick — and comes out with a clean edge.

2. Sauté Aromatics

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion, celery, and bell pepper in a bit of butter until softened (about 5–6 minutes). Let cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients.

3. Make the Base

In a large bowl, combine:

• Cooked rice
• Sautéed vegetables
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Mayonnaise
• Egg
• Worcestershire sauce
• Old Bay seasoning
• Lemon juice
• Cheddar cheese

Season with salt and pepper to taste. This forms the creamy base that makes your crab casserole recipe unforgettable.

4. Fold in the Crab

Gently fold in the lump crab meat to avoid breaking the delicate pieces. Don’t overmix — you want chunks in every bite.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Smooth the top and sprinkle with extra shredded cheddar for a golden finish.

6. Bake Until Bubbly

Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is heated through. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving so the casserole sets perfectly.

Storage Tip

This crab casserole recipe holds up well in the fridge for 2–3 days and can be reheated gently in the oven. Perfect for leftovers!

Tips, Swaps & Serving Ideas

Simple Swaps to Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this crab casserole recipe is how flexible it is:

• No rice? Sub cooked orzo, quinoa, or even riced cauliflower.
• Cream of mushroom not your thing? Try cream of celery or cream of shrimp for a coastal twist.
• Cheddar cheese too sharp? Mild gouda or mozzarella can mellow things out.
• Gluten-free? Make sure your soup and mayo are certified GF and use cooked white rice or polenta.

This is a crab casserole recipe that adapts to you — not the other way around.

Time-Saving Tips

• Chop ahead: Pre-chop onions, celery, and peppers and store them in the fridge a day ahead.
• Use leftover rice: Day-old rice works perfectly and saves time.
• Mix & refrigerate: Assemble the whole crab casserole recipe a day in advance and bake it just before guests arrive.

Need to feed a bigger crowd? This recipe doubles beautifully in a 9×13-inch dish. Just extend the bake time by 5–10 minutes.

What to Serve With Crab Casserole

This dish is rich, creamy, and satisfying — it plays well with lighter, brighter sides:

• Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Steamed green beans or sautéed zucchini
• Buttermilk cornbread or garlic toast for sopping up the sauce
• Chilled white wine or a tall glass of sweet tea to balance the richness

This crab casserole recipe truly shines when served as the centerpiece — build your meal around its creamy, Southern charm.

Extra Flavor Boosts

If you love layers of flavor, here are some quick add-ons:

• A spoonful of Dijon mustard for tang
• A pinch of paprika or cayenne for kick
• Fresh dill or parsley for brightness
• A handful of buttery cracker crumbs mixed with melted butter for a crispy topping

Whether you’re making a creamy crab casserole recipe for Sunday supper or a casual summer get-together, it always brings something special to the table.

History, Heart & Final Thoughts

A Taste of Grandma’s Table

Ask anyone raised in the South and they’ll tell you: the best crab casserole recipe always came from someone’s grandma. Creamy, rich, and baked in a heavy dish passed down through generations, this was the kind of meal that brought people together — no matter the season.

It was never written down. Just “a scoop of this” and “a dash of that,” but the heart of the recipe was always the same: lump crab meat, a creamy base, and the warmth of home.

This version pays homage to that old fashioned crab casserole — simple, satisfying, and made to share.

Lowcountry Roots, Timeless Appeal

Originating in the Lowcountry kitchens of South Carolina and Georgia, crab casseroles have long been a Southern staple. These coastal regions celebrated crab not as a luxury, but as a gift from the water — something to be honored in everyday cooking.

Adding rice stretches the meal (hello, crab casserole recipe with rice), while ingredients like celery, bell pepper, and cheese reflect generations of Southern flavor traditions. Over time, variations emerged — some creamier, some spicier, some dotted with cracker crumbs.

No matter the twist, the soul of the Southern crab casserole recipe remains the same: comfort baked into every bite.

10 Ways to Elevate Your Crab Casserole

1. Top it with crushed buttery crackers.
   For a nostalgic finish, mix crushed Ritz with melted butter and sprinkle over your crab casserole recipe before baking.
2. Swap in cream of shrimp soup.
   It adds a briny boost that pairs beautifully with lump crab meat.
3. Stir in fresh herbs.
   Dill, chives, or tarragon add brightness and a touch of elegance.
4. Add a little heat.
   A pinch of cayenne, diced jalapeño, or even a splash of hot sauce will turn up the volume on your crab casserole recipe.
5. Make it extra lemony.
   A bit of lemon zest or a squeeze over the finished dish brings it to life.
6. Use a mix of cheeses.
   Combine sharp cheddar with a touch of parmesan or fontina for a melty, golden top.
7. Serve it in ramekins.
   Turn your crab casserole recipe into individual portions — great for dinner parties or brunches.
8. Add shrimp or scallops.
   Make it a full-on seafood casserole for the ultimate coastal feast.
9. Use brown rice or wild rice.
   Adds a nuttier flavor and heartier texture — especially great in a crab casserole recipe with rice.
10. Finish with fresh breadcrumbs.
    Sauté panko with butter and parsley and sprinkle on just before serving for crunch.

Crab Casserole FAQs

Can I freeze crab casserole?

Yes — this crab casserole recipe freezes beautifully. Let it cool, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat at 325°F.

Can I use canned crab meat?

You can, but fresh lump crab meat has a superior texture. If using canned, drain and fluff gently.

Can I prep it the day before?

Absolutely! Assemble the whole dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh when you’re ready.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

Your crab casserole recipe is ready when the top is golden and bubbling and the center is hot — about 35–40 minutes.

What can I serve with it besides salad?

Try sautéed green beans, creamed corn, hush puppies, or even mac and cheese for a real Southern spread.

What’s the best type of rice to use?

Plain white rice works best, but jasmine or Carolina Gold rice adds an aromatic touch.

Can I make this spicy?

Of course! Add diced jalapeños, a few dashes of hot sauce, or smoked paprika for depth.

How do I keep crab meat from falling apart?

Fold it in last — gently — and don’t overmix. The goal is to see and taste those delicious lumps.

Can I use this base for other seafood?

Yes — shrimp, scallops, or even a seafood blend work beautifully with this creamy crab casserole recipe foundation.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re reviving a family favorite or trying it for the first time, this creamy crab casserole recipe delivers on all fronts: flavor, nostalgia, and a whole lot of love.

Serve it for Christmas Eve, a breezy summer brunch, or a weeknight dinner when you want to spoil yourself a little. It’s a casserole that feels like a hug — and a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

So if you’re searching for the best crab casserole recipe, now you’ve got one that’s grandma-approved, crowd-ready, and impossible to resist.

Additional Recommended Recipes

If you loved this Southern-Style Crab Casserole Recipe, try one of these next for more coastal Southern comfort:

• Louisiana Crab Cake Recipe – Golden, crispy, and packed with bold Cajun flavor—perfect with a zesty remoulade.
• Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole – A New Orleans classic featuring tender shrimp and mellow mirliton in a creamy, baked blend.
• Easy Crawfish Etouffee Recipe with Cream of Mushroom – Rich, savory, and irresistibly creamy—ideal for serving over rice.
• Shrimp St. Charles Recipe – Elegant and buttery, with just the right Cajun kick for special occasions or Sunday dinners.

These Southern seafood favorites bring the warmth of the Gulf Coast straight to your kitchen.

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