Crab Imperial

Indulge in the timeless elegance of Crab Imperial, a luxurious seafood dish bursting with flavor and sophistication. This recipe features tender lumps of sweet crab meat gently folded into a rich, creamy blend of mayonnaise, heavy cream, and a hint of Dijon mustard, all perfectly seasoned with Old Bay and a touch of lemon for brightness. Baked to golden perfection with optional buttery breadcrumbs for added crunch, this dish delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that's sure to impress. Perfect for entertaining or a special dinner, Crab Imperial pairs beautifully with crackers, crusty bread, or a fresh side salad. Ready in just 35 minutes, this classic Maryland-inspired recipe is simplicity and decadence combined, showcasing the natural sweetness of crab in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound lump crab meat
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon old bay seasoning
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
• 2 tablespoons parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease individual ramekins or a small casserole dish and set aside.

Step 2

Carefully pick through the crab meat to remove any shell pieces, being careful not to break up the lumps of crab. Set the crab meat aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, heavy cream, egg, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Step 4

Gently fold the crab meat into the mixture, being careful not to break up the lumps. Ensure the crab is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 5

Divide the crab mixture evenly among the prepared ramekins or spread it into a single layer in a casserole dish.

Step 6

Optional: If you'd like a crisp topping, mix the optional breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle the mixture over the crab.

Step 7

Sprinkle the paprika evenly over the top for color.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the Crab Imperial is golden and bubbly. Avoid overbaking, as the crab can become dry.

Step 9

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Step 10

Serve warm with crackers, crusty bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(718.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1609.3

Total Fat 122.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 638.3mg	0%
Sodium 3174.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 37.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.1g	0%
Total Sugars 2.2g
Protein 88.6g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 374.7mg	0%
Iron 6.5mg	0%
Potassium 1785.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 68.7%

Protein: 22.1%

Carbs: 9.3%