Crab Meat Au Gratin
Indulge in the decadent flavors of Crab Meat Au Gratin, a timeless seafood casserole that combines succulent lump crab meat with a rich, velvety cheese sauce. This elegant dish features sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, enhanced with hints of dry mustard and paprika for a flavorful twist. Topped with a golden, crispy layer of breadcrumbs and baked to perfection, it’s an irresistible choice for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight treat. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy yet sophisticated recipe is ideal for seafood lovers who appreciate bold, cheesy comfort food. Serve it as a main course or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or whenever a taste of coastal indulgence is calling your name!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound lump crab meat
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cups dry breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 1.5-quart casserole dish and set aside.
Inspect the crab meat for any remaining shells or cartilage, then set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly.
Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, dry mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Gently fold the crab meat into the cheese sauce, being careful not to break apart the lumps.
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the crab mixture.
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3043 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 219.7 g | 282% | |
| Saturated Fat | 131.2 g | 656% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 884 mg | 295% | |
| Sodium | 6553 mg | 285% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 91.7 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.8 g | ||
| Protein | 166.2 g | 332% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 2715 mg | 209% | |
| Iron | 9.1 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 2574 mg | 55% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
