Crab Meat au Gratin

Crab Meat au Gratin: A Decadent Seafood Delight

If you’re a fan of rich, cheesy seafood dishes, this Crab Meat au Gratin will quickly become a favorite. It’s a luxurious blend of creamy Swiss cheese, tender crab meat, and a hint of spice, all broiled to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or a main course, this dish brings a touch of elegance to any meal, yet it’s simple enough to make for a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 teaspoons flour
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup celery, chopped
• 1 (5 oz.) can evaporated milk
• 1 egg yolk, beaten
• 3/4 cup Swiss cheese, shredded (reserve 3 tablespoons for topping)
• 8 oz. white crab meat
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
• Dash of paprika

Directions:

1. Prepare the Roux
   In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook until the mixture is lightly browned and fully combined. This forms the base of your sauce.
2. Cook the Vegetables
   Add the chopped onion and celery to the roux and reduce the heat to low-medium. Cook the vegetables until they’re soft and tender, stirring occasionally.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce
   Slowly pour in the evaporated milk, stirring constantly. Add the beaten egg yolk, Swiss cheese (except for the reserved amount), salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Add the Crab Meat
   Gently fold in the white crab meat, taking care not to break it up too much. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, just enough to heat the crab through and let the flavors meld.
5. Broil the Dish
   Preheat the oven broiler to HIGH. Transfer the crab mixture to a small oven-safe baking dish. Top with the reserved Swiss cheese, chopped green onion, and a dash of paprika for color and flavor. Place the dish on a cookie sheet to catch any spills.
6. Broil to Perfection
   Broil for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
7. Serve
   Remove from the oven and serve warm with crackers or toasted bread. This dish is a perfect appetizer, or you can pair it with a light salad for a delightful main course.

---

Recipe Tips:

• For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce before folding in the crab meat.
• This dish pairs beautifully with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay.

---

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving

With its creamy texture and rich flavor, Crab Meat au Gratin is an impressive dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to something special, this seafood delight is sure to impress!

Print