Description
Cheesy Jumbo Lump Crab Au Gratin is a rich, creamy seafood bake with tender sweet crab, a velvety cheese sauce, and a golden bubbly top that feels perfect for an easy dinner, holiday side dish, or elegant food idea for entertaining. This easy recipe brings together classic comfort, simple ingredients, and impressive flavor, making it one of those dinner ideas and seafood recipes you will want to keep for special occasions and cozy meals alike.
Ingredients
8 ounces jumbo lump crab meat
2 tablespoons butter
1 small shallot, finely minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped chives
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons extra Gruyère cheese for topping
1 tablespoon extra Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly butter 4 small ramekins or 1 medium baking dish.
2. Carefully pick through the crab meat to remove any shell pieces, keeping the lumps as intact as possible.
3. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
6. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and whole milk until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.
7. Add the Gruyère cheese, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and black pepper. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
8. Remove the sauce from the heat and gently fold in the jumbo lump crab meat.
9. Spoon the mixture into the prepared ramekins or baking dish.
10. Top with the breadcrumbs, extra Gruyère, and extra Parmesan.
11. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until hot and bubbly.
12. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes if needed for a deeper golden top, watching closely.
13. Let rest for 3 to 5 minutes, then finish with chopped chives and serve warm.
Notes
Use fresh or refrigerated pasteurized jumbo lump crab meat for the best sweet flavor and texture.
Fold the crab in gently after the sauce is finished so the large pieces stay intact.
Broil only briefly at the end to brown the top without overcooking the crab.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 429
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 141mg
Keywords: cheesy jumbo lump crab au gratin, crab au gratin, baked crab recipe, seafood casserole, easy dinner, holiday side dish, seafood dinner ideas, comfort food