top of page

Copycat Chinese Buffet
Crab Casserole

Everything you love about the creamy filling inside a classic crab casserole—baked into one rich, cheesy casserole with sweet sautéed onions.

If you've ever headed straight for the crab casserole at your favorite Chinese buffet, this recipe is for you! Inspired by the creamy filling inside a classic crab casserole, this casserole is loaded with imitation crab, rich cream cheese, lightly sweet sautéed onions, melted cheese, and just the right blend of seasonings. It's warm, comforting, and
every bite tastes like a trip to the buffet.

Whether you're serving it as a main dish, appetizer, or party favorite, this easy casserole comes together with simple ingredients and is guaranteed to disappear fast.

Connie Perry Recipes-Chinese Copycat Crab Casserole

Cheesy Seafood Casserole with Shrimp and Imitation Crab

  • For the Casserole

  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup real mayonnaise

  • ¼ cup sour cream

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ⅛ teaspoon white pepper

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 8 ounces imitation crab, pulled into bite-sized pieces

  • 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 green onions, sliced

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup shredded mild cheddar cheese

  • For the Topping

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella

  • ¼ cup shredded mild cheddar

  • Extra sliced green onions for garnish

More Chinese Recipes

Shiitake Mushroom and Onion Beef Rice

TSO Chicken Stir-Fry

Sweet & Spicy BBQ Stir-Fry

Pork Belly/Salt Pork Stir-fry

Egg Foo Young Sauce (Gravy)

Egg Foo Young

How Do You Make
Copycat Chinese Buffet
Crab Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Onion

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the sliced sweet onion and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, tender, and translucent. Avoid browning them—you want them sweet and mellow, just like the buffet version.

Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

  • Softened cream cheese

  • Mayonnaise

  • Sour cream

  • Sugar

  • Worcestershire sauce

  • Garlic powder

  • Onion powder

  • White pepper

  • Salt and black pepper

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add the Crab & Cheese

Fold in:

  • Imitation crab

  • Sautéed onions

  • Sliced green onions

  • 1½ cups mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup cheddar cheese

Gently stir until everything is evenly combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the crab mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is completely melted.

The top should be lightly golden, not browned.

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly while staying rich and creamy.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Sprinkle with additional sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color.

Serve warm with:

  • Fried wonton chips

  • Crispy tortilla chips

  • Butter crackers

  • Toasted baguette slices

  • Egg rolls

  • Fried rice

Or enjoy it as a creamy side dish with your favorite Chinese-inspired meal.


❤️ Connie's Tips

  • Use real mayonnaise for the authentic buffet-style flavor.

  • Pull the imitation crab into strands instead of cutting it into cubes for the best texture.

  • Don't brown the onions. Soft, sweet onions are one of the keys to that classic Chinese buffet taste.

  • Freshly shredded mozzarella melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.

  • Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it becomes perfectly creamy and scoopable.

How Do You Store and Reheat Cheesy Seafood Casserole with onions and Imitation Crab?

How to Store
 

🧊 Refrigerator

Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Tip: Label the container with the date so you can easily keep track of freshness.

How to Reheat

🔥 Oven (Best Method)

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover loosely with aluminum foil to help keep it creamy.

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through.

The casserole should reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

⚡ Microwave

Place an individual serving in a microwave-safe bowl.

Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel.

Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring gently between each interval until hot.

❤️ Connie's Tips

  • If the casserole thickens after refrigeration, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of milk or mayonnaise before reheating to restore its creamy texture.

  • Avoid overheating, as cream cheese can become thick if cooked too long.

  • Garnish with fresh sliced green onions just before serving for the best flavor and presentation.

  • Leftovers make a delicious dip for wonton chips, crackers, toasted baguette slices, or tortilla chips.

bottom of page