Description

This Creamy Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish inspired by classic buffet-style favorites. Combining tender imitation crab meat with creamy sour cream and mayonnaise, and seasoned with Old Bay and Worcestershire sauce, it’s topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a rich, savory finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck, this casserole offers a luscious blend of textures and familiar flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Ingredients

2 tablespoons Butter (Can swap with vegan butter)
1 medium Onion (Can use shallots)
2 stalks Celery (Green bell pepper can be used)
8 ounces Imitation Crab Meat (Real crab optional)

Sauce & 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)

Cheese

1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Low-fat mozzarella is an alternative)
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Vegan cheese can be used)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s properly heated by the time your casserole is ready to bake.
Sauté vegetables: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add diced onion and celery, sautéing for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Mix the casserole base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and celery with imitation crab meat, sour cream, mayonnaise, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir everything together thoroughly to create a creamy, well-seasoned mixture.
Assemble the casserole: Transfer the crab mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then add the shredded cheddar cheese as a final layer for a rich, cheesy finish.
Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a lightly browned cheese crust on top and bubbling sides, which indicate the casserole is heated through and ready to serve.

Notes

You can substitute real crab meat for imitation crab for a more authentic seafood flavor.
For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari and Worcestershire sauce with coconut aminos.
Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream adds a slight tang and reduces fat content.
Light or vegan cheese options can be used to accommodate dietary preferences.
This casserole pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.