Crab & Spinach Casserole 🦀🌿🧀 Creamy, Cheesy, and Herb-Forward With Sweet Crab and Savory Greens

This is coastal comfort with an earthy edge — tender crab folded into a creamy spinach base, laced with garlic, herbs, and melty cheese, then baked until golden and bubbling. It’s elegant enough for brunch or a seafood-forward dinner, but cozy enough to scoop straight from the dish.

Low-carb, protein-rich, and rich in flavor — with or without pasta or rice.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the base

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 oz fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper (adjust to taste)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For the creamy binder

• 3 tbsp cream cheese
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Juice of ½ lemon

For the seafood

• 8 oz lump crab meat (fresh, pasteurized, or canned — drained and picked over)
• Optional: 1 tbsp chopped parsley, chives, or dill

Topping

• ¼ cup panko or crushed Ritz crackers
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp Parmesan or shredded cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, warm oil or butter. Add onion and cook 4–5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted (or warm through if using frozen). Season with thyme, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using. Let cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together cream cheese, sour cream, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Stir in the spinach mixture, then gently fold in the crab and herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Transfer to a greased 2-quart baking dish or 9×9″ pan.

Step 3: Add Topping and Bake

Mix panko, butter, and cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until set, hot, and golden. Broil the last 1–2 minutes for a crisp finish if desired. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Optional Add-Ins

• Add 1 cup cooked rice, quinoa, or orzo for a grainy base
• Stir in chopped artichokes or mushrooms for extra depth
• Use sharp white cheddar or Fontina for a different cheese profile
• Add a few dashes of hot sauce or smoked paprika for heat
• Fold in diced roasted red peppers for color and sweetness

Pro Tips

• Use lump crab for best texture — avoid overmixing
• If using frozen spinach, press out all excess moisture
• Don’t skip the lemon — it lifts the richness and balances the dish
• Leftovers reheat well — warm gently at 300°F or in the microwave
• For bite-size party portions: bake in ramekins or muffin tins

Final Thoughts

Crab & Spinach Casserole is creamy, herby, and packed with contrast — sweet seafood, savory greens, tangy lemon, and a golden cheese crunch. It’s easy elegance in casserole form, ready for brunch tables, dinner plates, or second helpings on the couch.

Sauté it. Fold it. Bake it golden. 🦀🌿🧀🔥

🦐 More Coastal Seafood Recipes

From cozy casseroles to zesty grilled fish and elegant seafood pastas, this collection of Seafood Recipes covers every ocean-inspired craving — whether you’re planning a dinner party or a quick weeknight win.

🐟 Classic Seafood Dish Recipes – Think pan-seared salmon with lemon dill and timeless coastal favorites.
🦞 Delicious Seafood Boil Recipes – Spicy, saucy boils packed with crab, shrimp, and corn. The ultimate feast.
🍝 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Elegant and indulgent, like shrimp linguine in a white wine sauce.
🍤 Shrimp Recipes – Versatile, fast, and flavor-packed; smoky grills to sizzling stir-fries
🐟 Salmon Recipes – Baking & grilling to bowls, pastas, and more — healthy, flavorful, and easy to make/
🦞 Seafood Casseroles – Bubbly, Buttery & Oven-Ready. Comfort food meets coastal flavor.
🥣 Flavorful Seafood Soups – Rich chowders, bisques, and broth-based favorites.
🍽️ Easy Seafood Dinner Recipes – Quick, delicious, easy recipes bring bold flavor with minimal prep and cleanup
🥗 Healthy Seafood Recipes – Light, fresh & packed with protein and omega-3s with bright, satisfying flavor
🍚 Risotto Recipes with Seafood – Creamy, silky rice dishes meet the richness of the sea.
🌊 Seafood Stews – Mediterranean, Latin to classic American, hearty stews with satisfying depth in your bowl.
🍝🧀 Seafood Lasagna – Lasagna meets the sea in these rich and satisfying delicious twist classic bakes.