Crab And Artichoke Au Gratin
A creamy, savory crab and artichoke au gratin featuring mushrooms, eggs, and a hint of sherry, perfect for elegant appetizers or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 shallot, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1 c. light cream ⓘ
- 1 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. crab meat ⓘ
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sherry ⓘ
- 1 (8-1/2 oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 1/2 c. seasoned bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, sauté mushrooms, shallots, and celery in butter until tender.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise and light cream with crab meat.
- Stir in chopped hard-boiled eggs, sherry, and drained, quartered artichoke hearts.
- Add the sautéed mushroom mixture to the crab and vegetable mixture.
- Pour the mixture into individual serving shells or au gratin dishes.
- Sprinkle with seasoned bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of Old Bay seasoning to the mixture. If you don't have crab meat, shrimp or even canned tuna can be used as a substitute. Keep an eye on the bake time; if it's browning too quickly, cover it with foil for the remainder of the cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Crab And Artichoke Au Gratin as a decadent appetizer or main dish. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or crusty baguette. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside some roasted vegetables or a light pasta dish, enhancing your dining experience with a variety of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through, ensuring it remains moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab And Artichoke Au Gratin contains roughly 1555 calories, with 30g protein, 164g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (61% of the Daily Value), iron (57% of the Daily Value), and calcium (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1951mg per serving (85% 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 prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble and bake it when you're ready to serve. This can save time on busy evenings and make entertaining easier.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for mayonnaise. It will add creaminess while reducing the overall fat content, making it a healthier choice without compromising flavor.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the crab meat with additional mushrooms or artichokes, making it a hearty vegetarian dish. Alternatively, consider adding cooked spinach or other vegetables for added texture and flavor.
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).