Ingredients
Method
Preparation and Sauté
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Assembling the Casserole
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Whisk in the mayonnaise, beaten eggs, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, Meyer lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Fold in the cooled vegetable mixture, half of the crushed saltines, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Gently fold in the crab meat and chopped shrimp, taking care not to break up the crab too much.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining crushed saltines and cheddar cheese over the top. Dust with a little extra Old Bay seasoning.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Resting and Serving
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with lemon wedges.
Nutrition
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute plain Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise. Swap saltines with crushed sourdough breadcrumbs for a California twist. Use fresh lump crab for best texture; avoid canned. To make ahead, assemble without topping, refrigerate, then add topping and bake—add 10 minutes to baking time. Don't overmix the seafood to keep it tender. Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
