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Jumbo Lump Crab Au Gratin Recipe

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5 from 435 reviews

This Jumbo Lump Crab Au Gratin recipe features tender crab meat baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a decadent main dish, this dish combines classic flavors like Dijon mustard and Old Bay seasoning for a delightful seafood treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Crab Au Gratin Mixture

  • 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Topping

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the dish evenly.
  2. Prepare Crab: Inspect the jumbo lump crab meat carefully to remove any remaining shells or cartilage, setting the clean crab meat aside for later use.
  3. Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until you achieve a golden, fragrant roux.
  4. Add Milk and Cream: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and thickens, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
  5. Season the Mixture: Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to evenly distribute all the flavors.
  6. Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in ¾ cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Combine with Crab: Gently fold the prepared jumbo lump crab meat into the cheesy sauce, taking care not to break up the crab pieces.
  8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the creamy crab mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly for uniform cooking.
  9. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the crab mixture in the baking dish.
  10. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and bubbly, indicating the dish is perfectly cooked.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and serve the dish hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Ensure to pick through the crab meat carefully to avoid any sharp shell pieces.
  • Use fresh breadcrumbs for the topping to achieve an extra crispy texture.
  • If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
  • Serve with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: crab au gratin, jumbo lump crab, cheesy crab bake, seafood gratin, baked crab recipe

Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/jumbo-lump-crab-au-gratin-recipe/