Name: Creamy Crab Imperial
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lump crab meat; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley; 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Rich, velvety, and irresistibly indulgent, Creamy Crab Imperial is the kind of dish that turns any dinner into a celebration. This vintage seafood favorite combines tender lump crab meat with a luscious, tangy imperial sauce, all topped with golden buttery breadcrumbs. Every bite is a burst of creamy, savory flavor with a hint of spice and a delightful crunch.

Perfect for a holiday spread, date night, or an upscale family meal, this dish feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to pull together. Served bubbling hot in individual ramekins or a casserole dish, it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to impress, this creamy crab imperial is a timeless crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Crab Imperial

Elegant yet easy: No need to be a professional chef—this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with home-kitchen ease.
Decadent flavor: The creamy imperial sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the crab without overpowering it.
Perfect for entertaining: It looks impressive, tastes luxurious, and can be prepped ahead.
Versatile serving: Serve as an appetizer, main course, or side dish at special gatherings.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Mixing Bowls: For combining the imperial sauce and folding in the crab meat gently.
Whisk: Crucial for emulsifying the sauce ingredients into a smooth, creamy texture.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision is key to balance the tanginess and richness of the sauce.
Oven-safe Ramekins or Baking Dish: These allow even baking and elegant presentation.
Spatula: Helps to delicately fold crab meat without breaking the lumps.
Oven: For baking the dish until golden and bubbly.

Each of these tools ensures that the ingredients are handled properly, preserving the luxurious texture and flavor of the crab while achieving a golden, crisp topping.

Ingredients for the Creamy Crab Imperial

Lump Crab Meat: The star of the dish—tender, sweet, and delicate. Use fresh or high-quality canned crab.
Mayonnaise: Adds the creamy base for the imperial sauce and binds the ingredients.
Egg: Helps hold everything together and gives the sauce its velvety texture.
Dijon Mustard: Brings a gentle sharpness and depth to balance the richness.
Worcestershire Sauce: Offers umami and savory depth.
Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood seasoning with a signature blend of herbs and spices.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish and cuts through the creaminess.
Parsley: Adds color and a hint of freshness.
Breadcrumbs: Sprinkled on top for a golden, crunchy crust.
Butter: Melted into the breadcrumbs for flavor and browning.
Paprika: For a touch of warmth and a vibrant color finish.

How To Make the Creamy Crab Imperial

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your ramekins or baking dish with nonstick spray or a small amount of butter.

Step 2: Mix the Imperial Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Fold in the Crab

Gently fold in the lump crab meat using a spatula. Be careful not to break the lumps—you want those beautiful pieces to remain whole.

Step 4: Portion and Top

Divide the mixture evenly among the prepared ramekins or into a single baking dish. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and a pinch of paprika. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the crab.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden and the mixture is hot and bubbly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Serving and Storing Creamy Crab Imperial

This dish is best served fresh and piping hot straight from the oven. Pair it with lightly buttered asparagus, roasted baby potatoes, or crusty French bread to soak up the creamy sauce. If you’re serving as an appetizer, a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc makes a beautiful pairing.

Storing Tips:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crispy topping.
Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of crab meat is best?

Lump crab meat is preferred for its tender, sweet chunks, but you can also use backfin or claw meat for a more budget-friendly option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Just add the breadcrumb topping before baking.

Is there a substitute for Old Bay seasoning?

If you can’t find Old Bay, you can make a quick mix with celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne.

Can I use imitation crab?

While possible, imitation crab won’t give you the same luxurious flavor and texture. Real crab is highly recommended.

What can I use instead of ramekins?

A small casserole dish or even a muffin tin can work in a pinch—just adjust the baking time accordingly.

How do I make it spicier?

Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the imperial sauce if you like a little extra kick.

Want More Seafood Delights?

If this Creamy Crab Imperial has you hooked, dive into these deliciously rich and satisfying seafood recipes next:

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe for a comforting, creamy seafood soup.
Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle for crispy edges and a zesty sauce.
Jumbo Shrimp in Butter Garlic Sauce if you love rich butter and bold garlic flavors.
Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach Parmesan for a fusion of spice and creamy filling.
Louisiana Remoulade Sauce to serve alongside seafood for an extra punch.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest seafood or dinner board so you can come back to it anytime: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with fresh crab or canned? Add your twist with extra spice or a new herb?

I love seeing your creations and hearing how you personalize these classic dishes. Questions and suggestions are always welcome—let’s keep the kitchen conversation going.