Crab meat au gratin is a delicious and luxurious dish that is perfect for any special occasion or gathering. The combination of succulent crab meat, creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping creates a mouthwatering dish that will leave you craving for more. Here is a simple yet delightful recipe for this delectable dish:
Jumbo Lump Crab Au Gratin
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of jumbo lump crab meat
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 3 cups of milk
- 1 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Add the Gruyere cheese, Parmesan cheese, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Gently fold in the jumbo lump crab meat.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the crab meat mixture.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
How to Prepare:
To prepare this mouthwatering crab meat au gratin, start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Ensure that the jumbo lump crab meat is fresh and free of any shells. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure that it is ready to bake the dish once prepared.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously until a smooth and thick mixture is formed. This step is crucial to create a velvety cheese sauce for the au gratin. Gradually whisk in the milk, allowing the mixture to thicken. Be sure to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Next, add the Gruyere cheese, Parmesan cheese, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir the mixture until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The combination of Gruyere and Parmesan cheese adds a rich and decadent flavor to the dish.
Gently fold in the jumbo lump crab meat, ensuring that it is evenly distributed throughout the sauce. This delicate process ensures that each bite of the au gratin is filled with succulent crab meat. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly for even cooking.
In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. This breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch and texture to the dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the crab meat mixture, evenly covering the entire surface.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be irresistible, whetting your appetite for the upcoming meal.
This jumbo lump crab meat au gratin recipe serves as a perfect entree or a delectable side dish alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. The creamy cheese sauce, combined with the delicate sweetness of the crab meat, creates a harmonious flavor profile that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Nutrition Facts: (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 920mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 17g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 24g
Tips:
- To enhance the flavor of the au gratin, add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to the cheese sauce.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the crab meat mixture.
- Serve the crab meat au gratin with crusty bread or crackers for dipping into the creamy cheese sauce.
Enjoy this decadent and flavorful jumbo lump crab meat au gratin recipe, which offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. It is a true crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
