If you love crab cakes but not the work of shaping and cooking them individually, this baked version gives you plenty of lump crab flavor with a golden, crispy topping. Inspired by the classic “casino” style with turkey bacon and peppers, it’s an easy way to serve a crowd without standing at the stove flipping individual cakes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the crab cake flavor, none of the shaping. One baking dish does the work of a dozen individual patties.
- That casino-style twist. Turkey bacon and bell pepper add smoky, savory depth to the classic crab cake flavor.
- Golden, buttery topping. Clarified butter drizzled over the top bakes up beautifully.
- Great for feeding a crowd. Serves 6, making it perfect for gatherings or a special dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lb colossal or jumbo lump crab meat
- ½ lb cooked chopped turkey bacon
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 to 3 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup melted clarified butter, divided
- Tartar sauce, for serving
How to Make Crab Cake Casino Bake
1. Prepare the crab mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, and fresh parsley until combined.
2. Add the crab and pepper. Gently fold in the lump crab meat, cooked turkey bacon, and diced bell pepper. Take care not to break up the larger pieces of crab.
3. Add the panko. Fold in 2 to 3 tablespoons of panko, adding just enough to help the crab mixture hold together without making it dry.
4. Assemble the crab cake bake. Spread the crab mixture evenly into a prepared baking dish. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the melted clarified butter evenly over the top.
5. Bake until golden. Bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crab cake casino bake is hot, bubbly, and beautifully golden on top.
6. Finish and serve. Drizzle the baked crab with the remaining clarified butter and serve warm with tartar sauce.
Tips for the Best Crab Cake Casino Bake
- Fold gently throughout. Mixing too vigorously breaks up the lump crab, so a light hand keeps that nice texture intact.
- Add the panko gradually. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more only if needed, since too much can make the mixture dry.
- Check for shells thoroughly. Even pre-picked lump crab can hide small shell fragments, so it’s worth the extra minute to check.
- Drizzle the butter generously. This is what gives the top its rich, golden finish.
What to Serve with Crab Cake Casino Bake
Tartar sauce is the classic pairing here, along with lemon wedges for a bright finish. A simple side salad or crusty bread also rounds out the meal nicely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes, regular bacon works well too and adds a bit more richness.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the mixture and refrigerate, unbaked, for up to a day. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if going in cold.
Can I use a different pepper?
Yes, red, yellow, or orange bell peppers all work well and add a bit of sweetness and color.
Crab Cake Casino Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, and fresh parsley until combined.
- Gently fold in the lump crab meat, cooked turkey bacon, and diced bell pepper. Take care not to break up the larger pieces of crab.
- Fold in 2 to 3 tablespoons of panko, adding just enough to help the crab mixture hold together without making it dry.
- Spread the crab mixture evenly into a prepared baking dish. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the melted clarified butter evenly over the top.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crab cake casino bake is hot, bubbly, and beautifully golden on top.
- Drizzle the baked crab with the remaining clarified butter and serve warm with tartar sauce.
