Crab imperial is a delightfully decadent cocktail party favorite.

This incredibly rich dish (hence the name) has roots in Maryland, where crab is king.

What Is Crab Imperial Made Of?

Southern Living Crab Imperial baked in shells to serve

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

The full recipe is below, but here’s a brief recap.

What Is the Difference Between Crab Cakes and Crab Imperial?

Can I Make Crab Imperial in Advance?

Southern Living Crab Imperial ingredients

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Either way, you’ll want plenty ofwhite wineto pair with it.

Lightly grease 8 natural baking shells or individual ramekins.

Make sauce:

Melt 1 Tbsp.

Southern Living Crab Imperial greasing the shells

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

butter in a small heavy saucepan over low heat; add flour, whisking until smooth.

Cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute.

Remove sauce from heat.

Southern Living Crab Imperial making the sauce mixture

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Add mayonnaise:

Stir in Worcestershire sauce and sherry.

Stir in mayonnaise and next 3 ingredients.

Cook crabmeat:

Melt remaining 4 Tbsp.

Southern Living Crab Imperial adding the rest of the ingredients to the sauce

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

butter in a medium-size heavy skillet over medium heat.

Add crabmeat, and saute 1 to 2 minutes.

Add crab to ramekins:

Spoon mixture into prepared baking shells (about 3/4 cup each).

Southern Living Crab Imperial cooking the crab in butter

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Sprinkle with cheese, and, if desired, paprika.

Bake:

Bake for 10 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Southern Living Crab Imperial stirring the sauce into the crab

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Southern Living Crab Imperial preparing the crab mixture for baking

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Southern Living Crab Imperial baking the crab mixture in the shells

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley