Description
Cheesy Jumbo Lump Crab Au Gratin is a rich, bubbly seafood bake that feels special enough for holiday dinners but easy enough for an easy dinner at home. Sweet jumbo lump crab is folded into a creamy cheese sauce, topped until golden, and baked into one comforting dish packed with seafood dinner flavor, easy recipe appeal, and crowd-pleasing food ideas.
Ingredients
1 pound jumbo lump crab meat
3 tablespoons butter
1 small shallot, finely minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly butter a small baking dish or 4 individual au gratin dishes.
2. Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
4. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Gruyere, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan until melted.
6. Add the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until combined.
7. Gently fold in the jumbo lump crab meat, keeping the pieces as intact as possible.
8. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
9. Mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan and sprinkle over the top.
10. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes if needed for a deeper golden top.
11. Let rest for 5 minutes, then finish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use fresh jumbo lump crab meat if possible for the best texture and sweetest flavor.
Shred the cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese for a smoother sauce.
Do not overbake the gratin or the crab can lose its tender texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Seafood Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 145mg