Perfect for a leisurely brunch or a special occasion, this Cheese & Crab Brunch Bake combines layers of tangy Dijon, savory crab, and a mix of cheeses for an indulgent and satisfying dish. With a balance of creamy textures and fresh flavors from lemon, green onions, and bell peppers, it’s a beautiful casserole that’s easy to prepare and rich in flavor. This dish is sure to impress guests and elevate any brunch spread!
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!
Conclusion
This Cheese & Crab Brunch Bake is a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s perfect for brunch gatherings or a special family breakfast. With layers of tangy Dijon, delicate crab, and a blend of cheeses, it’s both flavorful and hearty. The addition of fresh vegetables gives it color and crunch, making it a well-rounded dish that will brighten any brunch table. Enjoy with a simple side salad or fresh fruit for a complete meal!
Cheese & Crab Brunch Bake
A delicious, layered brunch casserole with crab,English muffins, a blend of cheeses, and fresh vegetables—perfect forentertaining or a weekend treat.
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!