Description
Creamy crab meat au gratin delivers Louisiana coastal comfort with rich, cheesy indulgence. Elegant shellfish nestled in a velvety sauce promises a luxurious dining experience you’ll savor with pure coastal delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) white crab meat
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
- ¾ cup (180 grams) Swiss cheese, shredded (reserve 3 tablespoons for topping)
- 1 egg yolk, beaten
- 1 (5 ounces/142 grams) can evaporated milk
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- ½ cup (75 grams) onion, chopped
- ¼ cup (40 grams) celery, chopped
- ¼ cup (25 grams) green onion, chopped
- 3 teaspoons (9 grams) flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Dash of paprika
Instructions
- Construct a silky roux by melting butter in a heavy saucepan over medium temperature, whisking flour until the mixture transforms into a light golden hue and develops a nutty fragrance.
- Incorporate finely diced onions and celery into the roux, reducing heat to low-medium and sautéing until vegetables become translucent and tender, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Gradually stream evaporated milk into the vegetable mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth base. Introduce beaten egg yolk, grated Swiss cheese, seasonings of salt, black pepper, and cayenne, whisking until the cheese melts into a luxurious, velvety sauce.
- Delicately fold white crab meat into the creamy mixture, maintaining its delicate texture. Allow the combination to simmer gently on low heat, permitting flavors to harmonize and crab to warm through without becoming tough.
- Position oven rack near the broiler and set to high intensity. Carefully transfer the crab mixture into an oven-safe baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Sprinkle remaining Swiss cheese over the surface, garnish with chopped green onions, and dust with paprika for visual appeal and subtle flavor complexity.
- Position the dish on a cookie sheet to catch potential drips, then slide under the broiler. Monitor closely as the cheese bubbles and caramelizes to a golden-brown perfection, typically requiring 4-6 minutes.
- Extract from broiler, allowing the dish to rest momentarily. Serve immediately alongside crisp crackers or toasted artisan bread, presenting a sophisticated appetizer or light main course.
Notes
- Uncover the secret to a velvety smooth sauce by whisking the roux until it turns a light golden hue.
- Crushing crackers on top adds an unexpected crispy texture that elevates the dish from good to extraordinary.
- Fresh crab meat makes all the difference, so splurge on quality seafood for a restaurant-worthy experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 353
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 617 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 123 mg