Nothing says luxurious brunch like a Cheese & Crab Brunch Bake. With layers of buttery English muffins, delicate lump crabmeat, and a creamy, cheesy egg mixture, this dish is the perfect combination of rich flavors and elegant textures. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, celebrating a holiday, or preparing a special family breakfast, this casserole will impress your guests and leave everyone craving more.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! You can assemble it ahead of time and simply bake it in the morning, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Cheese & Crab Brunch Bake
✔ Perfect for Special Occasions – A fantastic holiday breakfast or brunch centerpiece.
✔ Rich & Creamy Flavor – Features three cheeses, lump crabmeat, and a smooth egg custard.
✔ Easy to Make Ahead – Prep it the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
✔ Packed with Protein – Eggs and crabmeat make this a high-protein, filling dish.
✔ Gourmet Yet Simple – A restaurant-quality dish you can make at home with basic ingredients.
This elegant, creamy, and cheesy brunch casserole will become a new favorite on your breakfast table!
Ingredients for Cheese & Crab Brunch Bake
Here’s everything you need to create this decadent brunch casserole:
| Category | Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Base & Flavor | Dijon mustard | 2 tbsp |
| English muffins, split | 6 | |
| Lump crabmeat, drained | 8 oz | |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp | |
| Lemon zest, grated | 2 tsp | |
| Cheese & Dairy | White cheddar cheese, shredded | 2 cups |
| Swiss cheese, shredded | 2 cups | |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1 cup | |
| Half-and-half cream | 1 cup | |
| 2% milk | 1 cup | |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup | |
| Egg Mixture | Large eggs | 12 |
| Salt | 1 tsp | |
| Cayenne pepper | ½ tsp | |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | |
| Toppings | Green onions, chopped | 4 |
| Sweet red pepper, chopped | ¼ cup | |
| Sweet yellow pepper, chopped | ¼ cup |
How to Make Cheese & Crab Brunch Bake
1. Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the English Muffins
- Spread Dijon mustard on each split English muffin.
- Arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Add Crab and Lemon Flavor
- In a small bowl, mix the drained lump crabmeat, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Distribute this mixture evenly over the English muffins.
4. Add Cheese Layers
- Sprinkle the shredded white cheddar cheese evenly over the crab layer.
5. Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Half-and-half cream
- Milk
- Mayonnaise
- Salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper
6. Pour the Egg Mixture and Add Toppings
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the Swiss cheese and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Finally, add the chopped green onions, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper.
7. Bake the Casserole
- Place the dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the eggs are set, and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, the casserole is done.
8. Cool and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and luxurious brunch bake!
Tips for the Perfect Cheese & Crab Brunch Bake
⭐ Use Fresh Lump Crabmeat – For the best texture and flavor, opt for high-quality lump crab rather than imitation crab.
⭐ Let It Rest Before Serving – This allows the casserole to firm up, making slicing easier.
⭐ Customize with Different Cheeses – Try Gruyère, Havarti, or Fontina for a gourmet twist.
⭐ Make It Ahead – Assemble the casserole the night before and bake in the morning for an effortless brunch.
⭐ Add a Crispy Topping – Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs or extra Parmesan before baking for a crunchy texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
This high-protein, nutrient-rich dish is a great way to start your day!
Best Ways to Serve Cheese & Crab Brunch Bake
🍽 With a Side Salad – A simple arugula or citrus salad balances the richness.
🥖 With Toast or Croissants – A buttery croissant or sourdough bread is a perfect complement.
🍹 With a Mimosa or Fresh Juice – A classic brunch drink makes it even more special.
🧄 With Garlic Butter Asparagus – A savory veggie side pairs beautifully.
🌶 With a Dash of Hot Sauce – Adds a little heat and spice to each bite!
This casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Skipping the Dijon Mustard – This adds depth and enhances the crab flavor.
❌ Overbaking the Casserole – It should be firm but not dry.
❌ Using Too Much Liquid – Stick to the exact milk-to-egg ratio to prevent a soggy texture.
❌ Not Letting It Rest – Allowing it to sit before serving helps it firm up for better slices.
❌ Using Low-Quality Crab – Fresh lump crab makes a huge difference in flavor.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a perfect, creamy, and flavorful brunch bake every time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this brunch bake ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
2. Can I use a different type of bread instead of English muffins?
Yes! Try using croissants, brioche, or sourdough bread for a unique texture.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Slice into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven.
4. What other seafood can I use instead of crab?
You can substitute lobster, shrimp, or smoked salmon for a delicious variation.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free milk, cheese, and mayonnaise for a lactose-free version.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese & Crab Brunch Bake is a rich, creamy, and indulgent dish that’s perfect for any special occasion. Whether you’re making it for Easter, Christmas morning, or a weekend brunch, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing meal.
Why wait? Try this elegant brunch bake today!
Print
Cheese & Crab Brunch Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Cheese & Crab Brunch Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and luxurious dish that’s perfect for special occasions, holiday brunches, or a weekend breakfast treat. With layers of buttery English muffins, delicate lump crabmeat, and three types of cheese, this rich and satisfying casserole is sure to impress. Make it ahead of time for an easy, stress-free brunch!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 6 English muffins (split)
- 8 ounces lump crabmeat (drained)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 12 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half cream
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 green onions (chopped)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped sweet yellow pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or a non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the English Muffins : Spread Dijon mustard on each half of the split English muffins. Arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add Crab and Lemon Flavor : In a small bowl, combine the drained crabmeat, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Distribute this mixture evenly over the English muffin layer in the baking dish.
- Add Cheese Layers : Sprinkle the shredded white cheddar cheese evenly over the crab layer.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture : In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, mayonnaise, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the Egg Mixture and Add Toppings : Pour the egg mixture evenly over the ingredients in the baking dish. Then, sprinkle the Swiss cheese and Parmesan cheese on top, followed by the chopped green onions, red pepper, and yellow pepper.
- Bake the Casserole : Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbly. You can test doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve : Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Slice and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C).
- Cheese Variations: Swap Gruyère, Havarti, or Fontina for a unique twist.
- Seafood Alternatives: Try lobster, shrimp, or smoked salmon instead of crab.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American