Crab-Broccoli Mornay
A rich, creamy crab and broccoli Mornay baked with cheese and bread crumbs, perfect for seafood lovers and elegant dinners with a flavorful, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook broccoli until just tender; drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour over low heat to make a roux.
- In a separate pan, bring milk and heavy cream to a boil.
- Pour the hot milk and cream all at once into the saucepan with the roux.
- Stir until the sauce thickens over low heat.
- Add grated Cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in cooking sherry and remove from heat.
- Cut cooked broccoli into small chunks.
- Layer broccoli and crabmeat alternately in a baking dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the layered broccoli and crabmeat.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 45 minutes or until the cheese sauce bubbles and bread crumbs brown slightly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the cheese sauce. You can substitute the crabmeat with cooked shrimp or even a mixture of vegetables for a vegetarian option. If you're short on time, use frozen broccoli florets that have been thawed, but ensure they are well-drained before layering.
Serving Suggestions
This Crab-Broccoli Mornay is perfect served alongside a light salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of roasted potatoes or steamed rice. This dish also pairs beautifully with Tuna Pie (Mock Chicken) for a seafood-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab-Broccoli Mornay contains roughly 758 calories, with 14g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value), iron (21% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 679mg per serving (30% 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 entire dish ahead of time. Just assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What type of crabmeat should I use?
Using lump crabmeat will give you the best texture and flavor. However, you can also use canned crabmeat or imitation crab for a more budget-friendly option, though the taste will be slightly different.
Can I use different cheeses in the sauce?
Absolutely! While sharp Cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for varied flavor profiles. Just ensure the cheese melts well to maintain a smooth sauce.
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).