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4.8 from 87 votes

Jumbo Lump Crab Au Gratin

This jumbo lump crab au gratin is decadent and incredibly delicious. Serve as a wonderful first coarse. The crab, of course, is the star here, but complimented beautifully with the Gruyere and seasonings.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 243 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 celery rib finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoon green onions sliced, save some for garnish
  • 1 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 large egg yolks slightly beaten
  • 1 oz. can evaporated milk
  • 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • Juice of one lemon
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup gruyere cheese grated
  • ½ cup fontina cheese grated
  • 1 lb lump crab meat picked over for shells and cartilage

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Pre-heat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the onion, celery, green onions (white parts), and garlic, and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. While the vegetables cook, vigorously whisk the egg yolks and evaporated milk together in a small bowl until well blended; set aside.
  5. Add the flour to the skillet, and blend well into the vegetables to create a white roux; be sure to not let the flour brown. About 2 minutes.
  6. Using a whisk, add the milk mixture, stirring constantly to blend into the roux mixture.
  7. Stir in the lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, cayenne, and black pepper, and continue to stir for another 4 - 5 minutes. (if sauce seems too thick, add a little water or milk to thin...should be the consistency of thick creamed soup).
  8. Remove from the heat, and fold in half the cheese; blend until it is totally melted and fully incorporated.
  9. Gently divide the crab meat among four mini oven-proof casseroles, or iron serving dishes; trying not to break up the crab lumps. Or, pour into 1 large cast iron skillet, or 8"x8" baking dish.
  10. Pour the cheese sauce over the crab, and then sprinkle with the remaining grated cheese on top.
  11. Bake until bubbly, about 15 minutes, then reset the oven for broil, and broil until the cheese begins to brown, about 5 minutes (keep an eye on this...don't let it burn!!).
  12. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with the green onions (green parts), and serve at once!

Notes

  • Jumbo lump crab meat can be pricey.  For a more economical version, but still very delicious, we do a combination of jumbo lump and regular crab meat.
  • Be sure to use a good melting cheese such as fontina, gruyere, Monterrey jack, or even mozzarella. 
  • This au gratin is quite rich.  We serve it as an appetizer with lots of toasted baguette slices. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 243kcal (12%) Carbohydrates 3g (1%) Protein 16g (32%) Fat 18g (28%) Saturated Fat 11g (55%) Cholesterol 119mg (40%) Sodium 879mg (37%) Potassium 152mg (4%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 645IU (13%) Vitamin C 6mg (7%) Calcium 167mg (17%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 243

% Daily Value*

Calories 243kcal 12%
Carbohydrates 3g 1%
Protein 16g 32%
Fat 18g 28%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Cholesterol 119mg 40%
Sodium 879mg 37%
Potassium 152mg 3%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 645IU 13%
Vitamin C 6mg 7%
Calcium 167mg 17%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.