Get ready to indulge in a culinary delight! Creamy Crab Imperial is a dish that combines the richness of cream, the sweetness of crab meat, and the depth of flavor from spices and seasonings. Whether you’re a Maryland native or just a lover of seafood, these 20 mouth-watering recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
From classic dishes like Classic Maryland Crab Imperial to innovative twists like Creamy Crab Imperial Stuffed Mushrooms, there’s something for everyone in this collection. So go ahead, get creative with crab meat, and treat yourself to a taste adventure!
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Classic Maryland Crab Imperial
A beloved Chesapeake Bay classic, Crab Imperial is a rich and decadent dish that showcases the sweetness of fresh crab meat. This recipe yields a flavorful and indulgent side dish perfect for special occasions or as a unique twist on traditional accompaniments.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat (fresh or frozen)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, gently combine crab meat, softened butter, salt, and pepper until just combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs and grated cheese.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
5. Spoon the crab mixture into the prepared dish, followed by the breadcrumb mixture.
6. Top with chopped scallions and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Crab Imperial Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizer game with this decadent recipe that combines succulent crab meat, rich cream cheese, and savory mushrooms. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello)
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup lump crab meat
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, crab meat, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika until well combined.
3. Wipe mushroom caps clean with a damp cloth and fill each cap with the crab mixture.
4. Place stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Crab Imperial with Garlic Butter Sauce
Elevate your seafood game with this indulgent Crab Imperial dish, smothered in a rich and aromatic garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat
– 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, gently combine crab meat and flour.
3. Add softened butter and mix until just combined.
4. Transfer mixture to a baking dish or ramekins.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Meanwhile, melt remaining butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
7. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
8. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve crab imperial with garlic butter sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cheesy Crab Imperial Casserole
A rich and creamy casserole that combines succulent crab meat with a flavorful cheese sauce and crispy topping, perfect for a special occasion or dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) package jumbo lump crab meat
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine crab meat, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
4. Pour the crab mixture into the prepared dish.
5. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Crab Imperial Stuffed Bell Peppers
Elevate your dinner game with these indulgent crab-stuffed bell peppers, packed with flavor and color.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1/2 cup lump crab meat (jumbo or claw)
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers, removing seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a medium bowl, mix crab meat, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the crab mixture, filling to the top.
5. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the crab filling.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers and cover with foil.
7. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spicy Crab Imperial Dip
Get ready to spice up your snack time with this mouthwatering Spicy Crab Imperial Dip! This creamy, crabby delight combines the richness of mayonnaise and sour cream with the bold flavor of hot sauce and the sweetness of lump crab meat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– 1/2 cup lump crab meat, drained and flaked
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or scallions (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix until smooth.
2. Stir in the flaked crab meat.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, garnish with chopped chives or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including chilling time)
Serve chilled with crackers, chips, or veggies. Enjoy!
Crab Imperial with Lemon Herb Butter
A decadent seafood dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or dinner party, this Crab Imperial recipe combines succulent crab meat with a rich and flavorful lemon herb butter.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, gently combine crab meat, softened butter, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Spoon the crab mixture into a baking dish or individual ramekins.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned on top.
5. Serve warm with additional lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Crab Imperial Stuffed Artichokes
Elevate your artichoke game with this decadent recipe that combines the flavors of crab, butter, and herbs for a truly indulgent experience.
Ingredients:
– 4 large artichokes
– 1/2 cup lump crab meat
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut off the top inch of each artichoke, removing the tough leaves. Scoop out the fuzzy choke from the center.
3. In a bowl, mix crab meat, butter, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley until well combined.
4. Stuff each artichoke with the crab mixture, dividing it evenly among the four artichokes.
5. Place artichokes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30-35 minutes or until tender.
6. Serve warm with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Crab Imperial Pasta Bake
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and creamy Crab Imperial Pasta Bake, featuring succulent crab meat, tangy seafood sauce, and a satisfying crunch from crispy breadcrumbs.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of choice (e.g., penne or fusilli)
– 1 lb. jumbo lump crab meat
– 1/2 cup seafood sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp. butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, combine crab meat, seafood sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Heat over medium heat until warmed through.
4. In a separate bowl, mix melted butter with breadcrumbs.
5. Combine cooked pasta, crab mixture, and breadcrumb mixture in a baking dish. Toss to coat evenly.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pasta is heated through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Crab Imperial Stuffed Lobster Tails
This decadent recipe combines the richness of lobster with the indulgent flavors of crab imperial, creating a truly unforgettable dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 lobster tails (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup jumbo lump crab meat
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Rinse lobster tails under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add crab meat and cook until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in flour, heavy cream, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute.
5. Stuff each lobster tail with the crab imperial mixture, dividing it evenly among the four tails.
6. Place stuffed lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lobster is cooked through and lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Crab Imperial with Parmesan Crust
Elevate your appetizer game with this decadent Crab Imperial recipe, featuring a rich and creamy filling wrapped in a crispy Parmesan crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) container of lump crab meat
– 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon of butter, melted
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning until well combined.
3. Spoon the crab mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, forming a log shape.
4. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top of the crab mixture.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Crab Imperial Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Elevate your summer meal with this flavorful and refreshing twist on stuffed zucchinis. Crab Imperial’s rich, buttery goodness fills the tender boats of these zucchinis, creating a dish that’s sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 4 medium-sized zucchinis
– 1/2 cup crab imperial (jumbo lump crab meat)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving a shell about 1/4 inch thick.
3. In a bowl, mix crab imperial, butter, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Stuff each zucchini boat with the crab mixture, mounding slightly.
5. If using cheese, sprinkle on top of the crab filling.
6. Place the stuffed zucchinis on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Crab Imperial Deviled Eggs
Elevate your deviled egg game with the rich flavor of crab imperial. This decadent twist on a classic recipe combines creamy eggs, tangy mayonnaise, and savory crab meat for a truly indulgent snack.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 cup lump crab meat (jumbo lump or claw meat works well)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Paprika, chopped chives, or other garnishes of your choice
Instructions:
1. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks.
2. In a bowl, mix together the yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
3. Stir in the crab meat until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Spoon the yolk mixture evenly into the egg white halves.
6. Sprinkle with paprika or garnish as desired.
7. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cook Time: None, as this recipe is a cold appetizer or snack.
Crab Imperial with Sherry Cream Sauce
This indulgent recipe combines succulent crab meat with a rich sherry cream sauce, perfect for special occasions or a luxurious dinner at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons dry sherry wine
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, gently combine crab meat, butter, flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or ramekins.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. Meanwhile, combine heavy cream and sherry wine in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley (if using).
7. Serve the Crab Imperial with Sherry Cream Sauce warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Crab Imperial Stuffed Avocados
Elevate your appetizer game with this decadent and flavorful recipe, featuring succulent crab imperial filling wrapped in creamy avocado halves.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe avocados
– 1/2 cup jumbo lump crab meat (fresh or frozen)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the avocados in half lengthwise, removing the pit. Scoop out about 1/4 of the avocado flesh to make room for the filling.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together crab meat, butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Stuff each avocado half with the crab imperial mixture, mounding it slightly in the center.
5. Place the stuffed avocados on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the filling is lightly browned.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Crab Imperial Quiche
A rich and savory quiche filled with succulent crab meat, perfect for a weekend brunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 ounces jumbo lump crab meat (fresh or canned)
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
3. In a bowl, whisk together cream, cheese, scallions, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Gently fold in the crab meat, taking care not to break up the lumps.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the pie crust, spreading evenly.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the quiche is golden brown and set.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Crab Imperial with Cajun Seasoning
Elevate your seafood game with this bold and flavorful Crab Imperial dish, infused with the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, gently combine crab meat, butter, panko breadcrumbs, Cajun seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Be careful not to break up the lumps.
3. Spoon the mixture into ramekins or small baking dishes.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
5. Serve warm, garnished with chopped scallions or parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Crab Imperial Stuffed Potatoes
Elevate your potato game with this indulgent recipe that combines the richness of crab imperial with the comfort of a warm baked potato. This decadent twist on traditional stuffed potatoes is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 large baking potatoes
– 1/2 cup crab imperial (jumbo lump crab meat, mayonnaise, and seasonings)
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake potatoes directly on the middle rack for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced.
3. Scoop out the potato flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of the skin intact.
4. In a bowl, mix crab imperial, cheese, and butter until well combined.
5. Stuff each potato shell with the crab mixture, dividing it evenly among the four potatoes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Crab Imperial with Old Bay Seasoning
A rich and flavorful seafood dish that combines succulent crab meat with the bold flavors of Old Bay seasoning.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat (fresh or canned)
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add crab meat, Old Bay seasoning, and flour. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Stir in heavy cream. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cream has reduced slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the crab imperial to a baking dish and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the top is lightly browned.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Crab Imperial Stuffed Tomatoes
Elevate your dinner game with this impressive yet easy-to-make recipe, featuring succulent crab meat and flavorful tomato shells.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tomatoes, hollowed out
– 1/2 cup jumbo lump crab meat
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, gently combine crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each tomato shell with the crab mixture, dividing it evenly among the four tomatoes.
4. Place the stuffed tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprinkle with parsley.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender and the filling is lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the rich flavors of crab imperial with these 20 mouthwatering recipes! From classic Maryland-style dishes to creative twists, this collection has something for everyone. Enjoy classic Crab Imperial, or try new takes like Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms or Cheesy Crab Casserole. Or why not add some spice with Spicy Crab Dip or a tangy zing with Crab Imperial with Lemon Herb Butter? Whatever your taste, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you hooked on the creamy, crabby goodness!
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
