Crab And Noodles Au Gratin
Crab and noodles au gratin combines tender crabmeat with creamy, cheesy sauce and fine noodles, baked to golden perfection—an elegant dish perfect for seafood lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Pick over the crabmeat to remove any shell pieces.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and add the flour, stirring with a wire whisk.
- When blended, add the milk, stirring rapidly with the whisk.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, nutmeg, and heavy cream.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and add the egg yolk, stirring rapidly with the whisk.
- Stir in the sherry.
- Cook the noodles until tender, then drain.
- Combine the crabmeat with the sauce and noodles.
- Pour into a buttered baking dish, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until golden and bubbling, about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you can't find lump crabmeat, backfin crabmeat is a good substitution. To add a bit of spice, a dash of cayenne pepper can enhance the dish. Make sure to thoroughly drain the noodles to avoid excess moisture in the gratin.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, such as a Florentine Salad Mold, to balance the richness. For a complete meal, serve alongside steamed asparagus or roasted vegetables. A chilled glass of white wine complements the flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the noodles mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab And Noodles Au Gratin contains roughly 2061 calories, with 42g protein, 184g carbohydrates, and 128g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (94% of the Daily Value), protein (84% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (78% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2049mg per serving (89% 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 a different type of seafood instead of crab?
Yes, you can substitute shrimp or lobster meat for the crab if desired. Just ensure they are cooked before adding them to the sauce. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the seafood used.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for a perfect golden top.
What can I use instead of sherry in this recipe?
If you don't have sherry, you can substitute with white wine or a splash of lemon juice for acidity. Alternatively, a bit of apple cider vinegar mixed with water can mimic the flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
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).