This low carb creamy crab casserole delivers lots of flavor. And it just goes to show that starting on a keto diet doesn’t mean you have to give up on delicious comfort food, especially when it comes to seafood casseroles. 

I want to share with you some delightful insights into creatng a low-carb crab or tuna casserole that’s not only satisfying for your taste buds but also aligns beautifully with your health goals. This is an easy recipe that you’ll want to make often.

Another delicious seafood dish is this yummy salmon casserole. I like the fact that you can make any of these seafood casseroles with shelf-stable pantry items. So next time you see cans of crab, tuna, or salmon on sale, stock up!

If you’re in a hurry, click on the jump-to-recipe button beneath the title. This will take you to the top of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Low Carb Crab or Tuna Casserole

Seafood casseroles, especially ones made with crab or tuna, are a great way to keep your meals exciting on a ketogenic diet. Whether you’re a fan of fresh crabs, canned crab, or chunks of tuna, these ingredients offer a world of possibilities. The good news is, with the right ingredients like cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and cream cheese, you can transform these sea delights into a dish that’s rich, creamy, and utterly keto-friendly.

Ingredients

All of the ingredients to make a low carb creamy crab casserole are easy to find in almost any grocery store. Here is what you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 24 ounces crab meat, drained well (four 6 ounce cans)
• ½ (8 ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature (4 ounces total)
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons paprika powder
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup sliced almonds

If you prefer, you can use tuna instead of crab meat. It works equally well and is just as delicious. Use the same amount of tuna as you would crab meat.

You’ll find the list of ingredients and complete directions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this page. Either scroll down or click on the jump-to-recipe button beneath the title.

How to Make a Low Carb Creamy Crab Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Coat the bottom of a 9” x 13” casserole dish with grease or nonstick cooking spray. Sauté the onions and celery in butter in a saucepan or small skillet over medium high heat until softened, about 5 minutes.

Beat the cream cheese, eggs, Old Bay, dijon, Worcestershire, lemon juice and other seasonings in a large mixing bowl until the eggs and cream cheese are well blended. 

Add the vegetables, crab, and parmesan cheese to the cream cheese and egg mixture. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and sliced almonds over the top. If you want, you can add more than the recipe calls for.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the eggs are completely set in the middle. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve.

Cheddar and Parmesan: A Cheesy Delight

The combination of sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese in a seafood casserole creates a melted cheese experience that’s hard to resist. These cheeses not only add a depth of flavor but also contribute to the creamy texture of the dish. And for those on a keto diet, they’re an excellent source of fat without adding unwanted carbs.

Seasoning Matters: Old Bay and Beyond

Seasoning is key in any dish, and for a low-carb crab or tuna casserole, Old Bay seasoning is a must … at least for me. It brings the essence of the Chesapeake Bay right into your kitchen. Adding this with other seasonings like lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and even a smidge of Dijon mustard, can elevate the taste to new heights.

Creamy Base Without the Carbs

Instead of traditional bases like cream of mushroom soup or wheat flour, those on a ketogenic diet can opt for alternatives like heavy cream, sour cream, and cream cheese. These ingredients not only reduce the total carbs but also enhance the richness of the casserole.

Cauliflower Rice and Zucchini Noodles: Keto-Friendly Staples

You might want your seafood casserole served over rice or pasta. Instead of adding it to the casserole, consider cooking it on the side and giving everyone the option of using it. 

Replacing high-carb ingredients like egg noodles or elbow macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles can significantly lower the net carbs in your casserole. These substitutes not only maintain the best texture but also complement the seafood flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Low Carb Creamy Crab Casserole

I like to serve any seafood dish with a choice of cocktail sauce or a creamy tartar sauce. You can have a large bowl of each or give each person a small bowl of their choice. 

Other Delicious Low-Carb Foods to Serve with Crab Casserole

Looking for some great side dishes to go with your seafood casserole? Here are some that we enjoy:

Balsamic Glazed Zucchini – Just a little bit of balsamic glaze adds a delicious depth to the flavor of this nutritious vegetable. And it’s super easy!

Cloud Bread – Whether someone follows a gluten-free diet or wants more protein, this cloud bread is an excellent choice for a side dish.

Keto Cheese Biscuits – These delicious keto cheese biscuits from Call Me PMc are made with almond flour. So now you can enjoy one of your favorite sides, even while watching your carbs!

Lemon Roasted Asparagus – Once you taste this yummy lemon roasted asparagus you’ll want to make it often. 

Add Crunch and Flavor to Your Low Carb Creamy Crab Casserole

To add a bit more crunch to your casserole, consider using crushed pork rinds or sesame seeds as a topping. They not only add texture but also keep the dish within low-carb limits.

Innovative Twists: From Sushi Casserole to Maryland-Style Crab Cakes

For those who love sushi, a deconstructed sushi roll casserole using ingredients like imitation crab meat, avocado, and cucumber, topped with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, can be a delightful twist. Alternatively, for Maryland-style crab cake lovers, incorporating lump crab meat (canned, packaged, or fresh crab meat) and Old Bay seasoning into your casserole can recreate that flavor you love.

Casserole Preparation: Simple Steps for a Delicious Meal

Creating a seafood casserole is relatively simple and can be a new family favorite. Start by mixing your seafood with the creamy base in a large bowl, add your cheeses, seasonings, and low-carb substitutes like cauliflower rice. Transfer this mixture into a baking dish, top with your crunchy elements, and bake in a preheated oven until bubbly and golden.

Storage and Leftovers: A Meal for Large Families

Seafood casseroles are not only a hit for main dish dinners but also work wonders for large families as leftovers. Store your casserole in an airtight container in the fridge, and you’ll have a ready-to-eat meal for the next day.

Enjoy Your Low Carb Seafood Casserole

Creating a low-carb crab or tuna casserole is an easy, delicious, and healthy way to enjoy your favorite seafood dishes while adhering to a ketogenic diet. With these tips and your creativity, you’re all set to indulge in a dish that’s not just good for your body but also a feast for your taste buds and healthy lifestyle.

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