12+ Crab Imperial Recipes for Classic Creamy Baked Seafood

Last Saturday, while sorting through an old family recipe box, I stumbled upon a wrinkled notecard for Crab Imperial. Instantly, I remembered gatherings where my aunt would pull bubbling, golden crab casseroles out of the oven—creamy, rich, and met with eager forks before they barely had time to cool. There’s just something joyful about classic, creamy baked seafood, and every time I make Crab Imperial, I’m suddenly back in her busy kitchen, helping sprinkle paprika and sneaking bites. If you’re also drawn to cozy seafood dishes, this list of 12+ Crab Imperial Recipes for Classic Creamy Baked Seafood will fuel plenty of happy, savory evenings.

1. Classic Maryland Crab Imperial

Why You’ll Love It:

This recipe is a celebration meal without the fuss. If you love pure sweet crab flavor accented by creamy, tangy sauce, you’ll make time for this—whether it’s date night at home or feeding a seafood-loving crowd. Everyone, from grandparents to picky teens, digs in happily.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound lump crabmeat, picked over
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, gently fold together crabmeat, mayonnaise, egg, mustard, Worcestershire, Old Bay, lemon juice, bell pepper, onion, half the parsley, and salt and pepper.
3. Spoon mixture evenly into four buttered ramekins.
4. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and paprika on top.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown.
6. Garnish with remaining parsley and serve hot.

Flavor Boost: Sprinkle a little extra Old Bay and a squeeze of fresh lemon over each ramekin right before serving.

2. Crispy Panko-Topped Crab Imperial

Why You’ll Love It:

This one’s for anyone who loves an ultra-crunchy contrast to that creamy crab layer beneath. The panko topping gets beautifully crisp in the oven—great for sharing at game night or serving backed by a fresh green salad.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 1/2 pounds lump crabmeat, picked over
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup finely diced celery
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• Salt and black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Gently mix crab, mayo, sour cream, mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire, cayenne, red bell pepper, celery, chives, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Spread mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish.
4. Toss panko with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over crab mixture.
5. Bake 20–22 minutes until panko is crisp and golden.
6. Let cool slightly before serving.

Meal Prep Tip: You can assemble the dish ahead, cover, and refrigerate—just add extra baking time if baking from cold.

3. Mini Crab Imperial Stuffed Mushrooms

Why You’ll Love It:

These bite-sized crab imperials are perfect for parties, brunch, or whenever you want to impress with minimal effort. You get the full flavor punch of classic crab imperial, wrapped in juicy mushroom caps.

Serving size: Serves 8 as appetizers

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 43 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 24 medium cremini mushroom caps, stems removed
• 1/2 pound lump crabmeat
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup finely chopped scallion
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup panko
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix crab, mayo, egg yolk, lemon juice, mustard, scallion, cayenne, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with 1–2 teaspoons of filling.
4. Sprinkle panko over each.
5. Bake on lined sheet for 16–18 minutes, until golden.
6. Serve warm.

Serving Idea: Nice alongside a bright arugula salad for brunch or as an elegant starter at dinner parties.

4. Jumbo Lump Crab Imperial with Roasted Peppers

Why You’ll Love It:

This take makes use of extra-sweet jumbo lump crab and fire-roasted peppers for a subtle smokiness. It’s special enough for Sunday dinner but simple enough for a Tuesday treat.

Serving size: Serves 3

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound jumbo lump crabmeat
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons chopped fire-roasted red peppers
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay
• 1/2 cup panko, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, gently combine crab, mayo, egg, mustard, roasted pepper, lemon juice, cayenne, Old Bay, salt, and pepper.
3. Fold in half the panko.
4. Spoon into a greased gratin dish.
5. Stir olive oil into remaining panko, sprinkle on top.
6. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden.
7. Garnish with parsley, serve warm.

Best Pairings: Crusty bread, roasted asparagus, baked potatoes.

5. Crab Imperial-Stuffed Bell Peppers

Why You’ll Love It:

If you crave lighter meals without sacrifice, stuffing sweet peppers with crab imperial makes a colorful, satisfying main dish. It’s a classic comfort with a little built-in veggie boost and great for prepping ahead.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 pound crabmeat
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped scallions
• 1/4 cup panko crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix crab, mayo, egg, mustard, Worcestershire, lemon juice, celery, scallions, and half the panko in a bowl.
3. Stuff pepper halves with mixture and top with remaining panko and paprika.
4. Set peppers in a baking dish and add 1/4 cup water to the dish.
5. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until filling is golden and set.
6. Serve hot.

Swap This With That: Try poblano peppers for a spicier take, or swap celery for diced fennel.

6. Sheet Pan Crab Imperial Bake

Why You’ll Love It:

For serving a crowd with minimal dishes, this sheet pan method creates plenty of golden edges. It’s perfect for casual family meals or easy holiday gatherings, and everyone can scoop their own portion.

Serving size: Serves 8

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 42 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 pounds crabmeat
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 cup panko
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Gently combine crab, mayo, eggs, mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay, celery, red onion, and half the parsley in a large bowl.
3. Spread mixture evenly onto a greased rimmed sheet pan.
4. Mix panko and melted butter; sprinkle evenly on top.
5. Bake for 20–22 minutes until bubbling with golden top.
6. Sprinkle remaining parsley before serving.

Meal Prep Tip: Leftovers reheat well in the oven—just cover with foil to prevent over-browning.

7. Easy Weeknight Crab Imperial Pasta Bake

Why You’ll Love It:

This is a weeknight rescue that feels a bit indulgent. The creamy crab sauce ties together twirls of pasta, making every bite a little comfort food party. Kids love scooping up the cheesy, crabby noodles.

Serving size: Serves 5

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 ounces fusilli pasta
• 1 pound crabmeat
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/3 cup finely chopped scallion
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook pasta to al dente, drain.
2. In a large bowl, mix crab, mayo, sour cream, egg, Dijon, lemon juice, mozzarella, Parmesan, scallion, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss pasta with crab mixture and spread into greased baking dish.
4. Top with breadcrumbs and parsley.
5. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
6. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Idea: Serve with garlicky sautéed spinach or a crisp Caesar.

8. Low-Carb Crab Imperial Casserole

Why You’ll Love It:

All the luxury of creamy baked crab, but low-carb enough for anyone watching their bread or carb intake. It’s cozy, filling, and makes a lovely main dish for lighter eating plans.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound crabmeat
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/3 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Gently mix crab, mayo, sour cream, egg, mustard, lemon juice, celery, bell pepper, Old Bay, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread mixture into greased baking dish.
4. Bake uncovered 20–22 minutes until puffed and golden.
5. Garnish with additional parsley.

Swap This With That: Replace red bell pepper with diced jalapeño for a bit of heat.

9. Crab Imperial-Stuffed Salmon Fillets

Why You’ll Love It:

This is surf-and-surf at its best—flaky salmon fillets holding creamy crab imperial inside. It’s a dinner-for-impressing, but not any harder than making a regular baked fillet.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 salmon fillets (about 7 ounces each)
• 1/2 pound crabmeat
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped dill or parsley
• 1/4 cup panko
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Cut a slit in each salmon fillet to create a pocket.
3. Mix crab, mayo, egg yolk, mustard, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Stuff mixture evenly into salmon pockets and sprinkle tops with panko and paprika.
5. Bake 18–20 minutes until salmon is just cooked and top is golden.
6. Serve hot, garnished with more herbs.

Best Pairings: Roasted potatoes, lemony broccoli, wild rice.

10. Crab Imperial-Stuffed Shrimp

Why You’ll Love It:

This recipe turns classic shrimp into a dinner-party treat. The creamy crab filling is tucked into juicy jumbo shrimp, and it’s always a hit for holidays or appetizers.

Serving size: Serves 6 as appetizer

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 43 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 18 jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, butterflied
• 1/2 pound crabmeat
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons panko
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Pat shrimp dry and arrange in greased baking dish.
3. Combine crab, mayo, egg, Dijon, lemon, panko, green onion, Old Bay, salt, and pepper.
4. Scoop 1 tablespoon of mix onto each shrimp.
5. Sprinkle with paprika.
6. Bake 16–18 minutes, until shrimp is pink and tops golden.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cayenne for subtle heat in the crab mixture.

11. Crab Imperial Dip with Toasted Baguette

Why You’ll Love It:

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with sweet crab, this dip is a holiday or game day favorite. It vanishes quickly—especially when served warm with good bread or crackers.

Serving size: Serves 8 as appetizer

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound crabmeat
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, egg, lemon juice, Worcestershire, Old Bay, green onion, and pepper.
3. Fold in crabmeat and cheeses. Spread into greased baking dish.
4. Sprinkle paprika on top.
5. Bake 25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
6. Serve warm with toasted baguette.

Budget-Friendly Tip: You can use half crab, half cooked shrimp to cut costs.

12. Artichoke & Spinach Crab Imperial Bake

Why You’ll Love It:

A mashup of spinach-artichoke dip and crab imperial—creamy, luxurious, and full of veggies so you feel like you’re eating your greens.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound crabmeat
• 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry
• 1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons panko
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Blend cream cheese, mayo, egg, Dijon, Old Bay, garlic powder, chives, salt, and pepper.
3. Fold in spinach, artichoke, and crabmeat.
4. Spread into greased casserole. Sprinkle top with Parmesan and panko.
5. Bake 30 minutes, until golden and set.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Personal Note: My kids call this “seafood spinach dip”—they pile it on baguette slices or eat it with crackers.

13. Crab Imperial-Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Why You’ll Love It:

Turn a humble baked potato into star comfort food with a creamy crab filling. This makes a cozy lunch or a photogenic dinner side that’s always a conversation-starter.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hours

Total Time: 1 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 large russet potatoes
• 1/2 pound lump crabmeat
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Bake potatoes until tender, about 1 hours. Let cool slightly, halve, and scoop out most of the flesh.
3. Mix potato flesh with crab, mayo, egg yolk, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon, cheddar, half the chives, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff mixture back into skins. Sprinkle with paprika and extra chives.
5. Return to oven for 12 minutes, until golden.
6. Serve hot.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overmix the filling; keep the potato and crab a bit chunky for best texture.

14. Old Bay and Lemon Crab Imperial Cups

Why You’ll Love It:

Perfect for casual parties, these single-serving cups give every guest a personal batch of creamy, lemony crab, crisply baked and easy to eat with a spoon.

Serving size: Serves 12 as appetizers

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound crabmeat
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay
• 2 tablespoons chopped dill or parsley
• 1/4 cup panko for topping
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Gently combine crab, mayo, egg, lemon zest, juice, Old Bay, dill, salt, and pepper.
3. Spoon into paper-lined muffin tin cups.
4. Top each with a sprinkle of panko.
5. Bake 16–18 minutes, until set and golden.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serving Idea: Set out at brunch buffets or pass around at potlucks—no fork required.

FAQ

What is Crab Imperial?

Crab Imperial is a classic American seafood dish featuring sweet crab meat bound in a creamy, mayonnaise-based sauce, seasoned with spices like Old Bay, baked until golden and bubbly.

Can Crab Imperial be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble Crab Imperial up to a day in advance, refrigerate it covered, and bake just before serving. Wait to add crunchy toppings (like breadcrumbs or panko) until ready to bake for best texture.

What kind of crab meat is best for these recipes?

Lump or jumbo lump crabmeat gives the most succulent flavor and chunkiness, but backfin or even canned crab can work for a more affordable route—just make sure to pick over for shells.

Are there ways to lighten up Crab Imperial?

Definitely. Try using light mayo, Greek yogurt, or swapping out some mayonnaise for sour cream. Opt for veggie add-ins or serve in bell peppers or mushrooms for lighter twists.

Conclusion

Few seafood dishes feel as celebratory and comforting as creamy baked Crab Imperial. Whether you scoop it into mushrooms for a party, bake it golden over pasta, or tuck it inside roasted peppers, every version brings that classic Maryland flavor straight to your table. Don’t be afraid to experiment—crab pairs beautifully with lemon, fresh herbs, and just a touch of heat. The real joy comes from serving something luscious that brings people together over good stories and hearty laughter. Whoever you’re feeding tonight, you’ve got a whole menu of options for cozy, creamy baked seafood. Happy cooking.