Maryland Crab Imperial Recipe

Name: Maryland Crab Imperial
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick); 1 small yellow onion, minced; 2 tablespoons flour; 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper; 1/8 teaspoon white pepper; 1/8 teaspoon ground mace; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup half-and-half; 2 tablespoons dry sherry; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 lemon, juice of; salt; 1 lb lump crabmeat; paprika

Servings: persons

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
1 small yellow onion, minced
2 tablespoons flour
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground mace
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup half-and-half
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 lemon, juice of
salt
1 lb lump crabmeat
paprika

1
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in heavy small saucepan over medium heat.
3
Add onion and stir until very lightly browned, about 5 to 8 minutes.
4
Blend in flour, ground red pepper, white pepper and mace and stir 1 to 2 minutes.
5
Add milk,half and half, and sherry and cook until thick and smooth, about 3 to 4 minutes.
6
Remove from heat;stir in mayonnaise, lemon juice and salt; set aside.
7
Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat.
8
Add crab and cook 1 minute, being careful not to break up chunks.
9
Gently fold sauce into crab.
10
Spoon mixture into 5 or 6 cup au gratin dish.
11
* Recipe can be prepared 2 to 3 hours ahead to this point. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate immediately.
12
Sprinkle top with paprika.
13
Bake until mixture is bubbling and lightly browned, about 12 to 15 minutes.
14
* If crab has been prepared ahead and chilled, cooking time may increase to 20-25 minutes.
15
Serve immediately.

360

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), 1 small yellow onion, minced, 2 tablespoons flour, 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper, and more.

Yes, Maryland Crab Imperial falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Maryland Crab Imperial

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions