Creamy Jumbo Lump Crab Au Gratin Recipe For Seafood Lovers

Creamy, decadent seafood dishes never fail to spark excitement at the dinner table, especially when this jumbo lump crab au gratin recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Luxurious chunks of succulent crab meat nestle perfectly in a rich, velvety cheese sauce that promises pure indulgence.

Each delectable bite combines the delicate sweetness of premium crab with sharp, melted cheese creating an irresistible harmony of flavors.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, this dish turns an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike will appreciate the straightforward technique that yields extraordinary results.

The golden, bubbly top hints at the deliciousness awaiting you beneath its crisp surface.

Serve this show-stopping dish and watch as your guests are transported to seafood heaven with every mouthwatering forkful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 430 kcal

Servings: 5

Jumbo Lump Crab Au Gratin Ingredient List

• Jumbo Lump Crab Meat: Sweet, delicate ocean treasure that forms the heart of the dish, choose fresh or high-quality packaged crab with minimal shell fragments.

• Butter, Onion, Celery, Green Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetable blend that creates a rich, savory foundation, select crisp, firm vegetables with vibrant colors and no wilting.
• Lemon Juice, Hot Sauce, Salt, Cayenne, Black Pepper: Zesty seasoning team that adds depth and exciting flavor complexity, opt for fresh lemon and high-quality spices for maximum taste impact.

• Egg Yolks, Evaporated Milk, Milk, Flour, Grated Cheese: Luxurious sauce creators that transform simple ingredients into a velvety, indulgent experience, choose full-fat dairy for maximum creaminess and select cheeses with robust melting properties.

Tools Needed for Crab Au Gratin Perfection

• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing vegetables and creating the creamy cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Essential for blending egg yolks, mixing sauces, and preventing lumps.
• Small bowl: Ideal for mixing egg yolks and evaporated milk.
• Mini oven-proof casseroles or cast iron skillet: Necessary for baking and serving the crab au gratin.
• Cheese grater: Helps prepare the grated cheese for melting into the sauce and topping.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cutting board and knife: Used for chopping onions, celery, and green onions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and folding ingredients in the skillet.

Cooking Instructions for Lump Crab Au Gratin

Coastal Comfort Crab Delight

• Kitchen Preparation Warm up your kitchen and gather all your delightful ingredients for a seafood adventure.
• Veggie Saute Gently dance chopped onions, celery, and garlic in a buttery skillet until they become soft and fragrant.
• Creamy Foundation Whisk egg yolks and milk into a silky smooth mixture that will become the heart of your sauce.
• Flavor Building Create a luscious base by stirring flour into your sauteed vegetables, then slowly introduce milk while stirring constantly.
• Seasoning Magic Splash in lemon juice, hot sauce, and a whisper of spices to elevate the sauce's personality.
• Cheese Transformation Fold in a generous handful of melted cheese, creating a sauce that's rich and irresistible.
• Crab Placement Tenderly nestle plump crab meat into a baking dish, treating each delicate morsel with care.
• Final Touch Pour your cheesy sauce over the crab, sprinkle with additional cheese, and send it to the oven for a golden, bubbly transformation.
• Serving Moment Pull out a dish that's crispy on top, creamy underneath, and garnish with fresh green onions for a final flourish.

Flavor Tips for This Rich Seafood Dish

• Handle jumbo lump crab meat gently to maintain large, delicate chunks without breaking them during mixing or transferring.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, sharp cheddar, or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles that complement the delicate crab meat.
• Adjust hot sauce and cayenne pepper quantities to match personal heat preferences, allowing for milder or spicier versions of the dish.
• Prepare the cheese sauce and chop vegetables in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to reduce total cooking time when ready to assemble the final dish.

Serve Crab Au Gratin Like a Pro

• Coastal Dinner Companion: Pair this rich, creamy crab dish with a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or chardonnay to balance the decadent flavors.
• Elegant Side Selections: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette or roasted asparagus spears to complement the richness of the crab au gratin.
• Bread Basket Delight: Include warm, crusty French bread or buttery garlic crostini to help guests soak up every delicious drop of the cheesy sauce.
• Presentation Perfection: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives and serve in individual ceramic ramekins for a restaurant-quality presentation that impresses guests.

Storing Crab Au Gratin Without Drying It Out

• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Keep leftover crab au gratin in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to maintain its delightful texture and prevent soggy edges.
• Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. These delectable seafood treasures can stay frozen for one month without losing their creamy charm.
• Reheating Wisdom: Gently warm refrigerated portions in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of milk to restore the original luxurious sauce consistency and prevent drying out.
• Smart Ingredient Management: Purchase fresh jumbo lump crab meat from reliable seafood markets on the day of cooking. Check for a clean, ocean-fresh scent and store immediately in the coldest part of the refrigerator until preparation time.

Creamy Jumbo Lump Crab Au Gratin

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Scrumptious jumbo lump crab au gratin showcases delicate seafood nestled in rich, creamy cheese sauce. Coastal Carolina cuisine delivers pure maritime elegance with elegant ingredients blending seamlessly for you to savor.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lump crab meat (picked over for shells and cartilage)
• ½ cup (113 g/4 oz) unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 2 large egg yolks, slightly beaten
• ½ cup (50 g) Gruyere cheese, grated
• ½ cup (50 g) Fontina cheese, grated
• 1 (12 oz/340 g) can evaporated milk
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 celery rib, finely chopped
• 2 tbsps green onions, sliced (save some for garnish)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Sauté Preparation: Heat a pan over medium-high, melt butter until golden and aromatic, releasing its rich, nutty essence.
2. Vegetable Infusion: Add onion, celery, white green onion sections, and garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and tender, creating a flavor foundation.
3. Roux Development: Dust flour over softened vegetables, stirring consistently to form a smooth, sandy mixture that will thicken the sauce without lumps.
4. Sauce Composition: Whisk egg yolks with evaporated milk, then gradually blend into the vegetable base, creating a velvety sauce while constantly whisking to prevent separation.
5. Seasoning Refinement: Incorporate lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, cayenne, and black pepper, allowing flavors to meld and intensify the sauce’s complexity.
6. Cheese Integration: Reduce heat and fold in half the grated cheese, stirring until completely melted and seamlessly incorporated into the sauce.
7. Crab Arrangement: Distribute delicate crab lumps in oven-proof dishes, maintaining their pristine texture and shape.
8. Final Assembly: Pour the luxurious cheese sauce over crab, ensuring complete coverage, then sprinkle remaining cheese to create a golden, crispy topping.
9. Baking Process: Roast in a preheated 350°F oven until edges bubble and surface turns golden brown, then broil for 3-4 minutes to achieve a perfectly caramelized cheese crust.
10. Serving Presentation: Garnish with reserved green onion tops and serve immediately, capturing the dish at its most decadent and piping hot moment.

Notes

• Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk egg yolks and milk slowly and steadily to avoid curdling, ensuring a smooth, silky sauce texture.
• Crab Handling Tip: Use delicate folding motions when incorporating crab lumps to preserve their tender, pristine structure and prevent breaking.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese gradually off direct heat, stirring constantly to create a creamy, uniform sauce without graininess.
• Broiling Caution: Watch closely during final broiling stage to achieve golden-brown crust without burning, as cheese can quickly turn from perfect to burnt.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg