Description
Sinful craving meets culinary magic with this jumbo lump crab cheese delight recipe, blending coastal freshness and creamy indulgence. Rich Maryland-style flavors and luxurious ingredients promise a memorable dining experience that satisfies seafood enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells and cartilage
Cheese and Dairy:
- ½ cup Gruyere cheese, grated
- ½ cup Fontina cheese, grated
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick or 113 grams)
- 1 12 ounces (340 grams) can evaporated milk
- 2 large egg yolks, slightly beaten
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery rib, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal environment for baking this delectable seafood dish.
- Select a large skillet and melt butter over medium-high heat, creating a golden base for sautéing aromatics.
- Introduce finely chopped onion, celery, white green onion sections, and minced garlic to the skillet, allowing them to soften and release their fragrant essence for approximately 5 minutes.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks and evaporated milk until thoroughly combined, creating a smooth binding liquid.
- Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture, carefully incorporating it to form a delicate white roux without allowing any browning, which should take roughly 2 minutes.
- Gradually stream the milk mixture into the skillet, whisking continuously to ensure a silky, lump-free sauce.
- Enhance the sauce with lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, cayenne, and black pepper, stirring consistently for 4-5 minutes to develop complex flavors.
- Fold half of the cheese blend into the sauce, allowing it to melt and create a rich, creamy texture.
- Delicately distribute jumbo lump crab meat into individual oven-proof casseroles or a single 8″x8″ baking dish, preserving the meat’s pristine texture.
- Generously cascade the prepared cheese sauce over the crab meat, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top, creating an enticing golden crown.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the dish becomes effervescent and inviting.
- Finish with a quick broil for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to transform into a beautiful, bronzed crust.
Notes
- Delicate jumbo lump crab requires gentle handling to preserve its exquisite texture and prevent breaking during preparation.
- Roux-making technique is crucial for creating a smooth, velvety cheese sauce without lumps or scorching.
- Layering cheese in two stages ensures maximum flavor development and creates a beautifully golden, crispy top layer.
- Hot sauce and cayenne provide subtle heat that complements the sweet crab meat without overpowering its delicate flavor.
- Choose fresh, high-quality lump crab meat for the most authentic and luxurious seafood experience.
- Individual serving dishes enhance presentation and allow for perfectly portioned, elegant appetizers or main courses.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 740 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg