If you are looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the rich, creamy flavors of crab rangoon in an easy, comforting casserole form, this Cheesy Crab Rangoon Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Think luscious cream cheese and savory crab mingling perfectly with tender pasta, all smothered in a silky homemade sauce and topped with a crunchy, golden crust. It’s the ideal dish to whip up when you want something impressive but totally fuss-free. Trust me, once you try this casserole, you’ll understand why it’s a total game-changer!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A fork holds a close-up bite of pasta with three visible layers: the first layer is flat yellow pasta with a smooth texture, the second is a light pink layer with a slightly rough surface, and the top layer is crumbly and off-white with small green and brown specs mixed into it. Below the fork, there is a gray bowl filled with more pasta pieces of similar colors and textures, resting on a white marbled surface. The background is a soft white with vertical lines, giving a clean and bright look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Cheesy Crab Rangoon Casserole Recipe lies in its simple but crucial ingredients that combine to create a sensational flavor and texture experience. Each element, from the creamy base to the crispy topping, contributes something special whether that’s richness, freshness, or delightful crunch.

Cream cheese (16 ounces, softened): This adds the signature smooth, creamy base every crab rangoon needs.
Imitation crab or real crab (30 ounces): Provides the sweet, seafood flavor that’s both tasty and budget-friendly if you go with imitation.
Chopped green onion (1/4 cup): Offers a fresh, mild sharpness that cuts through the richness.
Worcestershire sauce (2 teaspoons): Adds a subtle umami depth to intensify the savory notes.
Minced garlic (4 cloves): Brings warmth and a hint of spice to the filling.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential to balance all the flavors perfectly.
Egg noodles or penne pasta (16 ounces, cooked): Acts as the hearty foundation, absorbing flavors and providing satisfying texture.
Butter (7 tablespoons total): Used both for the sauce and the topping, butter adds richness and helps create a luscious sauce and golden crust.
Flour (3 tablespoons): The thickening agent for the silky, smooth sauce.
Milk (3 cups): Creates the creamy texture of the sauce without overpowering the delicate crab.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Brings a nutty, slightly salty crunch to the topping.
Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Ensures a perfectly crispy and golden finish on top.

How to Make Cheesy Crab Rangoon Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by cooking your egg noodles or penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. This ensures the pasta has enough structure to hold the creamy crab mixture without becoming mushy during baking. Drain and set aside while you prepare the filling and sauce.

Step 2: Mix the Crab Filling

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, imitation or real crab, chopped green onion, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and salt. Mix everything together thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly incorporated. This mixture will provide the luscious, cheesy heart of your casserole — rich, flavorful, and oh so satisfying.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add the flour and cook for a minute or two, stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, keeping the mixture smooth and free of lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce is what helps deliver that irresistible silkiness in every bite of the Cheesy Crab Rangoon Casserole Recipe.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

In a 9×13-inch baking pan, spread half of the cooked noodles evenly on the bottom. Next, spoon half of the creamy crab filling over the noodles and pour half of your homemade sauce on top. Repeat this layering process once more to create two luscious layers of noodles, cream cheese mixture, and sauce. This layered approach ensures you get every flavor in each forkful.

Step 5: Bake Covered

Cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes. This step gently melds the flavors together while letting the sauce bubble and thicken even further, making the whole casserole irresistible before the crispy final touch.

Step 6: Prepare and Add the Topping

While the casserole is baking, mix together the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and softened butter in a small bowl. This topping will add a delightful crunch and a golden finish.

Step 7: Broil for the Perfect Finish

Remove the foil covering the casserole and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly on top. Set the oven to broil, then place the casserole under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown. Keep a close eye to avoid burning — when that crust goes golden, you know your Cheesy Crab Rangoon Casserole Recipe is ready to shine.

How to Serve Cheesy Crab Rangoon Casserole Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white dish filled with layered pasta. The bottom layer is yellow pasta pieces, topped with a thick creamy white sauce mixed with bits of red and green, likely vegetables or herbs. A metal saucepan held above the dish is pouring more creamy white sauce over the layers. The background is a soft blurred area, and the dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions or parsley goes wonderfully on top, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor. You might also like to add a drizzle of sweet chili sauce on individual servings for that classic crab rangoon zing.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, helping to balance the rich, creamy casserole. For a heartier meal, steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli complement the cheesy and seafood flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this casserole family-style in the baking dish for a cozy dinner gathering, or portion it into small ramekins for individual servings that feel a bit more special. For a festive touch, sprinkle some extra Parmesan and fresh herbs just before serving to keep things vibrant and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to continue melding beautifully. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to preserve texture and taste.

Freezing

To freeze your Cheesy Crab Rangoon Casserole Recipe, assemble it fully but don’t bake or broil. Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed for a warm and comforting meal any day.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep the casserole moist. Remove the foil in the last few minutes to re-crisp the topping. Microwave reheating is also possible but may soften the topping slightly. Either way, the rich crab and cheese flavors remain irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab in this recipe?

Absolutely! Real crab will add a more delicate and authentic seafood flavor to the casserole. Just be mindful of the cost and freshness when choosing your crab meat.

Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour in the sauce with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Also, replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the topping crunchy.

Can I prepare this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the crab and increase the amount of cream cheese and green onions, or add diced sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts for added texture and flavor.

How spicy is this casserole?

This Cheesy Crab Rangoon Casserole Recipe is mild and creamy without added heat, but you can always add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the filling or serve it with spicy dipping sauces to taste.

What kind of pasta works best?

Egg noodles or penne pasta are perfect because they hold up nicely in the creamy sauce and create a comforting, hearty base. Avoid overly thin pasta that might get mushy during baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, and this Cheesy Crab Rangoon Casserole Recipe delivers exactly that. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this comforting casserole effortlessly combines creamy, cheesy, and savory seafood flavors into a crowd-pleasing favorite. Give it a go—you’re about to have a new go-to recipe that’s as easy to love as it is to make!