If you’re a seafood lover, this Creamy Crab Gratin is a perfect way to indulge in rich and comforting flavors. Blending sweet crab meat with melted Swiss cheese and aromatic seasonings, this dish is an elegant appetizer or main course. Serve it fresh out of the oven and impress your family or guests with this sophisticated recipe.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 teaspoons flour
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ¼ cup chopped celery
- 1 (5 oz.) can evaporated milk
- 1 egg yolk, beaten
- ¾ cup shredded Swiss cheese (reserve 3 tablespoons for topping)
- 8 oz. white crab meat
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup chopped green onion
- Dash of paprika
Directions
- Create the Base: In a heavy saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir until combined and lightly browned.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and celery. Reduce heat to low-medium and cook until tender, releasing a fragrant aroma.
- Add Dairy and Cheese: Stir in the evaporated milk, beaten egg yolk, and Swiss cheese (reserving 3 tablespoons for the topping). Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted.
- Incorporate Crab Meat: Gently fold in the crab meat and let it cook on low heat for 5 minutes to heat through.
- Prepare to Broil: Turn the oven broiler to HIGH. Transfer the mixture into a small, oven-safe baking dish. Top with the reserved Swiss cheese, chopped green onion, and a dash of paprika.
- Broil: Place the baking dish on a cookie sheet and broil for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, paired with crusty bread or fresh vegetables for a satisfying and luxurious appetizer. The creamy richness of the cheese and butter perfectly balances the delicate flavor of the crab meat.
Prep and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
Each serving is approximately 380 kcal, and the recipe yields four servings.
Final Tips
- For a touch of freshness, garnish the gratin with chopped parsley or chives before serving.
- Customize your gratin by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or replacing Swiss cheese with Gruyère or cheddar.
Enjoy your Creamy Crab Gratin as the centerpiece of your next special meal!
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Creamy Crab Gratin
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Creamy Crab Gratin combines the refined flavors of tender crab meat with the richness of Swiss cheese, all baked under a perfectly golden crust. This dish is a luxurious yet straightforward choice for any seafood lover looking to impress at a dinner party or enjoy a comforting meal at home.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 teaspoons flour
½ cup chopped onion
¼ cup chopped celery
5 oz. can of evaporated milk
1 egg yolk, beaten
¾ cup shredded Swiss cheese, reserve 3 tablespoons for topping
8 oz. white crab meat
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ cup chopped green onion
Dash of paprika
Instructions
In a heavy saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir until combined and lightly browned.
Add onion and celery; cook on low-medium heat until tender.
Stir in evaporated milk, beaten egg yolk, Swiss cheese (reserving 3 tablespoons for topping), salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese melts.
Gently fold in crab meat; cook on low heat for 5 minutes to heat through.
Turn oven broiler to HIGH. Transfer mixture into a small oven-safe baking dish. Top with reserved cheese, green onion, and a dash of paprika.
Place baking dish on a cookie sheet and broil for 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 380