Crab Rangoon Casserole Recipe

Name: Crab Rangoon Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 1 pound wide egg noodles; 2 Tablespoons butter; 2 cups heavy cream; 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened; 1 pound surimi crab legs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded; 8 ounces wonton chips, for garnish; 1 bunch green onions, sliced, for garnish; Sweet chili sauce, for garnish (optional)

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound wide egg noodles
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups heavy cream
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 pound surimi crab legs, cut into 1-inch pieces
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
8 ounces wonton chips
1 bunch green onions, sliced
Sweet chili sauce, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the egg noodles and cook until tender but firm, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Place the cooked noodles in the prepared casserole dish. Top with the crab pieces and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Pour the creamy sauce over the noodles, crab, and cheese. Stir to combine and evenly coat the ingredients.
Smooth out the mixture in the casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
Once baked, garnish the casserole with wonton chips, sliced green onions, and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1/10 of recipe):

Calories: 570
Total Fat: 44g (57% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 25g (127% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 158mg (53% Daily Value)
Sodium: 710mg (31% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 28g (10% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 7g
Protein: 17g (34% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 2mg (2% Daily Value)
Calcium: 216mg (17% Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (8% Daily Value)
Potassium: 247mg (5% Daily Value)

The Story Behind Crab Rangoon Casserole

Crab Rangoon Casserole is a creative spin on the classic Crab Rangoon, an appetizer that first gained popularity in American Chinese cuisine during the mid-20th century. The original Crab Rangoona deep-fried wonton filled with cream cheese and crabwas likely developed in the United States rather than China, blending Western tastes for creamy textures with traditional Asian wrappers. Over time, home cooks and chefs alike began experimenting with casserole versions, transforming these bite-sized appetizers into a hearty, family-friendly main dish.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

While Crab Rangoon itself is most associated with the United States, the casserole adaptation has found particular popularity in regions where comfort food and casserole dishes dominate, such as the Midwest and Southern United States. Some versions may incorporate regional cheeses, like sharp cheddar, or swap traditional wonton chips for crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a local twist. In coastal areas, fresh lump crab is often preferred, giving the dish a more luxurious flavor, whereas inland recipes might rely on surimi or imitation crab.

What Sets It Apart from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional Crab Rangoon, which is individually wrapped and fried, the casserole version integrates noodles, creamy sauces, and a baked topping, creating a more cohesive and substantial meal. Its rich, cheesy filling distinguishes it from other seafood casseroles, while the crunchy wonton garnish provides the familiar texture contrast reminiscent of the original appetizer. The balance between creamy sauce, tender noodles, and crispy toppings is what gives this casserole its unique identity.

Where Crab Rangoon Casserole is Served

This dish is a versatile addition to gatherings, commonly appearing at potlucks, family dinners, and holiday buffets. Unlike traditional restaurant appetizers, which are served individually, the casserole format allows for easy portioning and sharing. It is often accompanied by garnishes like sweet chili sauce or green onions, which add brightness and enhance the flavor profile, making it equally suitable for casual weekday dinners or festive occasions.

Interesting Facts

The combination of cream cheese and crab, though seemingly unusual, was a clever adaptation to appeal to American palates, emphasizing rich and indulgent textures.
Casserole versions often incorporate noodles, which were not part of the original Crab Rangoon, adding heartiness and making the dish more suitable as a main course.
The dish can be customized easily: some cooks add spices like Old Bay seasoning or garlic powder to intensify the flavor, demonstrating its adaptability.
Despite its American origin, Crab Rangoon has become so iconic that it is often assumed to be a traditional Chinese dish, highlighting how cuisine evolves through cultural exchange.
Using wonton chips as a topping preserves the crunchy characteristic of the original fried appetizer while making the dish oven-friendly and less greasy.

FAQ about Crab Rangoon Casserole Recipe

Store any leftover Crab Rangoon Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s chilled.

Yes, this casserole can be frozen. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes until hot.

Yes, you can substitute real crab meat for the surimi in this recipe. If using real crab, be sure to chop it into small, bite-sized pieces similar to the surimi to maintain the texture and flavor balance.

If you don’t have wonton chips, you can substitute with crushed crackers (like Ritz) or even use crispy fried onions for garnish. The goal is to add a bit of crunch to balance the creamy texture of the casserole.

Yes, you can use a different type of noodle if you prefer. Bowtie pasta, penne, or even spaghetti would work well in this dish. Just make sure to cook the noodles according to package instructions before assembling the casserole.

If the casserole tastes bland, consider adding extra seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce, or a dash of hot sauce. Some people also suggest adding a bit of Worcestershire sauce or Old Bay seasoning to enhance the flavor.

To prevent noodles from sticking, make sure to stir them occasionally during cooking, and add a bit of olive oil or butter to the boiling water. After draining, toss the noodles with a little bit of butter to keep them from clumping together before adding them to the casserole.

Yes, you can use low-fat versions of cream cheese and heavy cream, but keep in mind the texture and richness might change slightly. The casserole may not be as creamy, but it will still be tasty.

This casserole is not inherently spicy, but the sweet chili sauce garnish adds a mild sweetness with a hint of heat. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add red pepper flakes or use a spicier chili sauce.

Comments

Dennis Roberts

02/03/2024 06:06:28 AM

I really enjoyed this recipe. I didn't give it 5 stars only because I felt it could use a bit more flavor. Adding some red pepper flakes would give it a nice kick. Besides that, it was fantastic. I will definitely be making it again.

Janet Lee

01/19/2024 04:01:23 AM

I didn't have any crab, so I substituted with large chopped raw shrimp, and the dish turned out delicious! I plan to add a bit of chili sauce when stirring it up before baking next time. I scaled down the recipe to one-fourth and used a smaller baking dish, which reduced the baking time to just 15 minutes.

Eric Anderson

07/06/2024 10:59:37 PM

I decided to give the leftovers another shot, even though they were quite bland. I heated them up in a saucepan, although I didn't have a lot of wontons left. Following a recipe for fried wontons, I added some garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce to amp up the flavor.

Jose Nelson

06/02/2023 11:53:12 AM

A truly tasty and simple recipe to prepare. My family thoroughly enjoyed it and I believe it would be ideal for potlucks or as a side dish. Personally, I found the sauce a bit too rich, so next time I may try using 1/4 cup of heavy cream and 3 tablespoons of butter. Aside from that, it was flawless! I will definitely be making this again.

Aaron Gonzalez

06/18/2024 03:18:27 AM

I was initially impressed by the recipe and decided to give it a try. The preparation was easy, but I felt like it was missing something. After some research, I found recipes for Rangoon filling and realized that adding some garlic powder and soy sauce would enhance the flavor. If I make this dish again, I'll definitely include those ingredients.

Christopher Hill

11/13/2024 07:46:10 AM

I absolutely loved this casserole! My husband couldn't get enough of it and went back for thirds. I always follow a recipe exactly the first time I try it, and this one was a hit with the whole family! The next time I made it, I added extra surimi per my husband's request for more "stuff" in the casserole, and it turned out fantastic as well. Regardless, my family all agreed that we need to have this dish again soon!

Lisa Davis

09/03/2024 02:29:40 PM

I skipped the wonton due to not having any at home and instead used melted butter and crushed Ritz crackers for the topping. I also sprinkled in some Old Bay seasoning and nutmeg. The result was a delicious and savory dish!

Adam Nguyen

01/03/2024 05:15:54 PM

I believe that using smaller pieces of crab meat would provide a better texture in the dish. However, my daughter prepared it last night for our family night and it was a big success. We will definitely be making this recipe again. Erica and Melody.

Nathan Miller

05/10/2024 07:41:28 PM

Sounds promising! I haven't tried it yet, but using REAL lump crab would definitely elevate the dish. Since it's just me and my husband, I plan to use half the amount of cream cheese and other ingredients. Even with these adjustments, it's still expected to yield 5 servings. However, my husband and I both eat a lot, so we might need more than that! 😄

Jennifer Hernandez

08/31/2024 01:19:59 AM

Great experience! I added Tony's seasoning to enhance the flavor of the sauce. It was simple to prepare and budget-friendly. I definitely plan to make it again.

Janet Young

01/18/2024 12:37:54 PM

Simple to prepare, I added finely diced onions and a dash of oyster sauce to the cream cheese sauce mixture. The noodles turned out slightly clumped together and dry, but the dish was delicious overall. I plan to prepare it again, possibly making some small tweaks next time.

Nicholas Gonzalez

09/24/2023 05:33:34 PM

Needs the sweet chili sauce.

Nicholas Brown

04/20/2025 10:40:34 PM

I prepared a single serving of the recipe for dinner, using slightly less than 1 lb of crab chunks. As a fan of crab rangoon, I may have underestimated its rich flavor. While I believe this dish would make an excellent appetizer or snack for a big gathering, it may not be substantial enough for a full meal.

Dorothy Lewis

01/12/2024 06:05:41 AM

This dish looks absolutely mouthwatering. I'm curious how using imitation crab legs would turn out in this recipe.

Robert Carter

12/24/2024 06:25:02 AM

I absolutely loved the taste of this dish! The garnish was the highlight for me, providing a nice crunchy texture and a hint of sweetness. I followed the recipe closely, only substituting bow tie pasta. My granddaughter assisted me in the kitchen and was eagerly awaiting the meal. She even proclaimed it worthy of a chef's kiss.

Carol Baker

01/06/2024 10:42:50 PM

I absolutely adore it! I included celery and Worcestershire sauce to elevate the flavors.

Justin Collins

12/20/2022 03:59:54 PM

Your amazing crab Rangoon is my absolute favorite, and you have just elevated it to a whole new level.

Diane Torres

01/31/2024 11:48:30 PM

Family favorite 🌟

Jose Perez

07/20/2024 02:09:29 AM

Simple to prepare, I added finely chopped onions and a dash of oyster sauce to the cream cheese sauce. The noodles ended up a bit clumped and dry, but the dish was delicious overall. I plan to make it again, with a few tweaks.

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