If you’re craving something that perfectly blends creamy comfort with a touch of Asian-inspired flair, this Creamy Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a velvety, cheesy dish loaded with tender crab, rich sour cream, and the punchy zest of Old Bay seasoning, all baked to bubbling perfection. Whether you’re satisfying a family dinner craving or impressing friends with an unexpectedly delicious casserole, this recipe captures that nostalgic buffet vibe with effortless ease and soul-warming flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each bringing something special to the table. From the sauteed aromatics that build your base, to the fusion of cheeses that melt into creamy indulgence, you’ll find the perfect harmony of textures and flavors in every bite.
- 2 tablespoons Butter: Adds a rich, silky foundation for sautéing and enhances overall flavor depth.
- 1 medium Onion: Provides sweetness and aromatic layers; shallots work great too if you want a milder touch.
- 2 stalks Celery: Offers a crisp, fresh contrast and subtle earthiness; green bell pepper is a nice alternative.
- 8 ounces Imitation Crab Meat: The star protein of the dish, bringing mild seafood flavor; using real crab amps it up even more.
- 1 cup Sour Cream: Gives luscious creaminess and slight tang; Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for a healthier twist.
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise: Enhances richness and smooth texture; light mayo can keep it lighter without sacrificing flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce: Adds umami complexity and saltiness—tamari is your gluten-free friend here.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce: Brings subtle depth and a hint of tang; coconut aminos works well if avoiding gluten.
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning: Injects signature seafood spice and warmth; celery salt plus paprika are good alternatives.
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, stretchy texture; low-fat mozzarella keeps it lighter.
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Offers a sharp, savory bite that balances the creaminess; vegan cheeses can be used to accommodate dietary needs.
How to Make Creamy Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and celery and sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes until everything softens and releases its natural sweetness. This step is crucial because these aromatics form the savory backbone of your casserole, infusing each bite with delicate layers of flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Crab Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed veggies with imitation crab meat, sour cream, mayonnaise, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir everything until the ingredients are well incorporated—the mixture should be creamy, slightly tangy, and generously seasoned to bring that authentic buffet room magic.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the delightful crab mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent baking. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top, setting the stage for that irresistible golden crust you’ll adore once baked.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your casserole into a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake it for 30 to 35 minutes until you see the cheese bubbling and turning a light golden brown. The fragrance filling your kitchen at this point will tell you that comfort food at its finest is just moments away from being served.
How to Serve Creamy Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a finishing touch elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise. Consider sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and a bright, herbaceous note that contrasts the richness. A light dusting of extra Old Bay seasoning can also personalize each serving with a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This crab casserole pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides that bring balance. Steamed jasmine rice or garlic fried rice can soak up any creamy sauce left on the plate, while sautéed greens like bok choy or snap peas add a crisp, refreshing bite to contrast the dish’s decadence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets straight from the oven, making every plate feel special and restaurant-worthy. You can also layer the casserole over thinly sliced toasted baguette rounds for a savory appetizer version that everyone will be asking about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from the Creamy Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it perfect for quick weeknight meals or lunch the following day without losing any of its luscious flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this ahead of time, feel free to freeze the unbaked casserole in a freezer-safe dish. When refrigerated overnight to thaw, you can then bake it fresh, preserving the creamy texture and cheesy top. Properly frozen, it will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Alternatively, microwaving works for quick meals but may soften the crispy cheese topping, so the oven is best when you crave that baked goodness.
FAQs
Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab?
Absolutely! Using real crab will give your casserole an even more authentic seafood flavor and elevate the dish, but imitation crab is a great budget-friendly and accessible choice that still tastes fantastic.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute vegan butter, dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, and vegan shredded cheeses to keep this dish creamy without any dairy. Just be mindful of your mayo and sour cream choices to find suitable non-dairy versions.
How spicy is this casserole?
This casserole has a gentle warmth thanks to the Old Bay seasoning but isn’t spicy hot. If you like more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh chili for a personal kick.
What can I serve with this casserole for a full meal?
Pair it with steamed rice or simple garlic noodles, and a green vegetable like sautéed broccoli or snap peas. A crisp side salad also helps balance out the richness of the casserole.
Can I prepare the casserole without an oven?
While baking helps develop the beautiful crust and meld flavors perfectly, you can simulate the effect by warming the mixture on the stovetop in a covered pan, then broiling the top briefly if you have a broiler or toaster oven available.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole Recipe is a treasure for anyone who loves cozy, nostalgic meals that come together with simple ingredients and heartfelt flavors. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a cherished staple, perfect for sharing with family or friends on any occasion. Don’t hesitate to make it your go-to comfort dish and watch everyone come back for seconds and more.
Print
Creamy Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This Creamy Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for seafood lovers. Featuring imitation crab meat combined with sautéed vegetables, creamy sour cream, mayonnaise, and savory seasonings like Old Bay and soy sauce, it is topped with a melty blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, then baked to bubbly perfection. Easy to prepare and ideal as a hearty appetizer or main course, this casserole pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Base
- 2 tablespoons Butter (Can swap with vegan butter)
- 1 medium Onion (Can use shallots)
- 2 stalks Celery (Green bell pepper can be used)
Seafood
- 8 ounces Imitation Crab Meat (Real crab optional)
Dressing and Seasonings
- 1 cup Sour Cream (Greek yogurt as substitute)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Consider light mayonnaise)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce (Coconut aminos as gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning (Celery salt and paprika can work)
Cheeses
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Low-fat mozzarella is an alternative)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Vegan cheese can be used)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, then sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions and celery with the imitation crab meat, sour cream, mayonnaise, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Transfer the mixed filling into a 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to create a smooth top layer.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then add the shredded cheddar cheese to create a delicious cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Bake until the cheese is lightly browned on top and the sides are bubbly, indicating the casserole is fully heated through and ready to serve.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari and Worcestershire sauce with coconut aminos.
- You can use real crab meat instead of imitation crab for a fresher seafood flavor.
- Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with light mayonnaise for a lighter dish.
- Vegan butter and vegan cheeses can be used for a plant-based variation.
- Can be served with steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Ensure the casserole dish is approximately 2 quarts to accommodate the mixture for even baking.
