Chafing Dish Crab Mornay
Creamy crab Mornay with rich cheese, herbs, and sherry offers luxurious flavors perfect for elegant appetizers or special occasions, paired with assorted crackers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw frozen crabmeat and drain, removing any remaining shell cartilage.
- Melt butter in a 2-quart saucepan.
- Cook chopped green onion and parsley in butter until the onion is tender.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add half and half cream, cooking until thick and smooth, stirring constantly.
- Add grated Swiss cheese, sherry wine, salt, and cayenne pepper; stir until cheese melts.
- Gently fold in crabmeat and mix carefully.
- Serve in a chafing dish with assorted crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of crabmeat and shrimp. If you prefer a lighter option, swap half of the half and half cream for low-fat milk. Be cautious not to overcook the crab while folding it in, as this can make it tough. For a spicy kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce along with the cayenne pepper. This dish pairs beautifully with Godfather'S Oysters.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Crab Mornay warm in a chafing dish for a delightful centerpiece at gatherings. Accompany it with assorted crackers, fresh baguette slices, or even crisp vegetable sticks for dipping. For a complete meal, pair it with a light salad or browse more seafood recipes for complementary dishes like Lauree'S Lobster In Garlic Sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Crab Mornay in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving as it can change the texture of the crabmeat. If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of cream to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chafing Dish Crab Mornay contains roughly 572 calories, with 22g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (183% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (84% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 489mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned crabmeat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned crabmeat, but be sure to drain it well and check for any shell pieces. Fresh or frozen crabmeat will provide a better texture and flavor, but canned is a convenient alternative if you're in a pinch.
What type of crackers work best with Crab Mornay?
Choose a variety of crackers to complement the rich flavors of the Crab Mornay. Water crackers or buttery crackers are excellent choices, as they won't overpower the dish. Consider offering a mix to cater to different tastes and textures.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the Crab Mornay up to the point of folding in the crabmeat. Allow it to cool, then store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently and fold in the crabmeat just before serving to maintain its delicate texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).