Crab Casserole or Dip
This easy recipe crafts a rich crab casserole or dip. It combines well-drained crabmeat with egg, mayonnaise, mustard, and Old Bay seasoning, baked until bubbly and golden. Topped with Ritz cracker crumbs, it's a versatile dish, perfect as a savory appetizer or a light main course, ready in under an hour.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl Medium size
- 1 Baking Dish Small to medium oven-safe casserole dish
- 1 Spoon or Spatula For mixing and folding
- 1 Oven For baking
Ingredients
Main
- 1 pound crabmeat well drained
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning or similar seafood seasoning
- Optional: 1 teaspoon capers
- Garnish: Ritz cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, lightly beat the egg.
- Add the mayonnaise, prepared mustard, and Old Bay Seasoning to the beaten egg. Mix thoroughly until a smooth sauce forms.
- Gently fold in the well-drained crabmeat and the optional capers, being careful not to break up the crab lumps too much.
- Transfer the mixture into a small oven-safe casserole or baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle a generous layer of Ritz cracker crumbs over the top of the crab mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling, heated through, and the cracker topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot as a dip with crackers or crudités, or as a delightful side dish or light main.
Notes
Ensure crabmeat is thoroughly drained to prevent a watery casserole; lump crab offers the best texture but any quality works well. For enhanced flavor, opt for a high-quality mayonnaise. While Old Bay is iconic, a pinch of cayenne or garlic powder can serve as a substitute for different profiles. If preparing as a dip, a slightly shorter baking time will yield a creamier consistency. The Ritz cracker crumbs are crucial for texture; lightly toasting them in a dry pan beforehand can deepen their buttery flavor. Avoid overmixing the crab to preserve its delicate, flaky structure.