Dungeness Crab Gratin Recipe

Crab au Gratin - The Culinary Cellar

Crab au Gratin

Crab au Gratin is a delicious dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. This savory recipe features tender lump crab meat baked in a rich and creamy sauce, topped with a golden cheesy crust. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is simply divine.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lump crab meat
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break up the delicate pieces too much.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Prepare:

This Crab au Gratin recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. Simply follow these steps:

1. Gather all the necessary ingredients.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Gently fold in the lump crab meat, ensuring it is well-coated with the creamy mixture.
5. Transfer the crab mixture to a greased baking dish.
6. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for an added cheesy crust.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the crab is heated through.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Preparation Time:

The preparation time for this Crab au Gratin recipe is approximately 10 minutes. However, the baking time is about 20-25 minutes. Therefore, the total time required from start to finish is around 30-35 minutes.

Servings:

This recipe serves approximately 4 people. However, you can easily adjust the quantities to suit your needs and serve more or fewer individuals.

Nutrition Facts:

The nutrition facts for this Crab au Gratin recipe will vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used. However, generally speaking, one serving of this dish provides approximately:

• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 4g
• Protein: 25g

Tips:

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your Crab au Gratin turns out perfectly:

• Use fresh lump crab meat for the best results. It has a sweet and delicate flavor that elevates the dish.
• Be gentle when folding in the crab meat to avoid breaking up the chunks too much.
• Serve the Crab au Gratin with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
• Feel free to customize the spices and seasonings to your liking. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat or sprinkle some smoked paprika for extra flavor.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use canned crab meat instead of fresh?

A: While fresh lump crab meat is preferred for its flavor and texture, you can substitute it with canned crab meat if needed. Just make sure to drain and rinse the canned crab meat before using it in the recipe.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the Crab au Gratin ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?

A: Unfortunately, this dish is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the creamy sauce. It is recommended to consume any leftovers within 2-3 days.

Crab au Gratin is a delightful seafood dish that combines the natural sweetness of lump crab meat with a rich and cheesy sauce. It is an elegant and flavorful option for a special dinner or any time you crave the taste of the ocean. Prepare this easy recipe, and enjoy the creamy goodness that will surely satisfy your taste buds!