Jumbo Lump Crab Au Gratin
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Jumbo Lump Crab Au Gratin! This delectable dish is the epitome of gourmet seafood cuisine. Made with the freshest jumbo lump crab meat and a flavorful blend of ingredients, this creamy and cheesy gratin is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic, and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the cream and white wine, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Gently fold in the jumbo lump crab meat and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Serve hot and enjoy the luxurious flavors of this Jumbo Lump Crab Au Gratin!
How to Prepare:
Our Jumbo Lump Crab Au Gratin is an elegant dish that can be served as an appetizer or as a main course. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delectable recipe:
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready when the dish is assembled.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until they become soft and translucent.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic, and stir to coat them evenly. Cook for about a minute to cook off the raw taste of the flour.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and dry white wine, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Gently fold in the jumbo lump crab meat and chopped fresh parsley. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful not to break up the delicate lumps of crab meat as you stir.
- Transfer the crab mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. The creamy sauce will become even richer and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
- Carefully remove the dish from the oven using oven mitts or kitchen towels, as it will be hot. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Jumbo Lump Crab Au Gratin hot, alongside crusty bread or crackers for dipping. This luxurious dish is perfect for special occasions or as an indulgent treat for seafood lovers.
Preparation Time:
Preparing our Jumbo Lump Crab Au Gratin takes approximately 45 minutes. This includes the time needed for prepping the ingredients, cooking the sauce, assembling the gratin, and baking it to perfection. It’s worth every minute once you taste the amazing flavors and textures of this dish.
Servings:
Our Jumbo Lump Crab Au Gratin recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes. It can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a main course. Adjust the quantities accordingly if you need to feed a larger or smaller group.
Nutrition Facts:
The precise nutritional information for our Jumbo Lump Crab Au Gratin may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving sizes. However, here is an approximation of the nutritional values per serving (based on a serving size of 1/6th of the recipe):
- Calories: 480
- Total fat: 40g
- Saturated fat: 24g
- Cholesterol: 205mg
- Sodium: 710mg
- Total carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 23g
Tips:
- When buying jumbo lump crab meat, make sure to choose high-quality crab meat that is fresh and free from any off odors.
- Allow the crab meat to drain well before folding it into the sauce to avoid excess liquid in your gratin.
- Feel free to add extra flavors to the sauce, such as a pinch of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning, to customize the dish to your taste.
- Serve the Jumbo Lump Crab Au Gratin with a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered baking dish in the oven.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs or panko over the gratin before baking.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use other types of crab meat for this recipe?
A: While jumbo lump crab meat is the recommended choice for its large, meaty pieces, you can also use other varieties like lump crab meat or even a combination of both for a slightly different texture.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the gratin ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
Q: Can I freeze leftover Jumbo Lump Crab Au Gratin?
A: Freezing the gratin is not recommended, as the texture and flavor of the delicate crab meat may be compromised upon thawing.
With its rich, creamy sauce and succulent jumbo lump crab meat, our Jumbo Lump Crab Au Gratin is a true seafood masterpiece. Indulge in the luxurious flavors and impress your guests with this enticing dish that pairs perfectly with crusty bread or crackers. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, this recipe is sure to elevate any meal into an unforgettable gourmet experience. Enjoy the elegance of seafood cuisine with our Jumbo Lump Crab Au Gratin!
