Elevate your next brunch or dinner gathering with Chesapeake Crab Strata, an irresistible seafood casserole that combines coastal flavors with comforting textures. This dish features tender, jumbo lump crabmeat layered over buttery cubes of French bread and topped with sharp cheddar cheese, all baked in a rich, custardy mixture of eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream. Infused with the signature kick of Old Bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs like parsley and green onions, this strata delivers a delightful balance of savory and briny goodness in every bite. Perfect for make-ahead prep, it becomes golden and puffed to perfection in just 45 minutes, making it an elegant yet effortless centerpiece for any special occasion. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a true taste of Chesapeake Bay!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with the unsalted butter.
Spread the cubed French bread evenly in the greased baking dish to form a base layer.
Sprinkle the lump crabmeat evenly over the bread cubes, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Stir in the chopped parsley and sliced green onions into the egg mixture for added flavor.
Gently pour the egg mixture over the bread, crab, and cheese layers in the baking dish, ensuring everything is evenly soaked.
Let the dish sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb some of the custard mixture.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the strata is puffed up, golden brown, and the center is set.
Remove the strata from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Garnish with additional chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning if desired, and serve warm.
Calories |
6753 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 266.9 g | 342% | |
| Saturated Fat | 133.4 g | 667% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 2008 mg | 669% | |
| Sodium | 12742 mg | 554% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 760.5 g | 277% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 49.3 g | 176% | |
| Total Sugars | 72.3 g | ||
| Protein | 329.5 g | 659% | |
| Vitamin D | 11.5 mcg | 58% | |
| Calcium | 3150 mg | 242% | |
| Iron | 34.5 mg | 192% | |
| Potassium | 3957 mg | 84% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.