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

Scale

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)

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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.