Julie'S Crabmeat Au Gratin
A rich, creamy crabmeat au gratin featuring cheese, onion, and celery, baked to perfection—ideal for seafood lovers and elegant entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté onion and celery in butter; add flour and blend.
- Add milk and blend.
- Remove from heat; add beaten egg yolks, crabmeat, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in Cheddar cheese.
- Pour mixture into a casserole dish and sprinkle additional cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mixture of crabmeat and shrimp. If you're out of evaporated milk, regular milk can work, but it may not be as creamy. Be sure to sauté the onion and celery until they're soft to enhance their sweetness. Adding a dash of hot sauce can elevate the dish, similar to the flavors found in Crab Dip Divine.
Serving Suggestions
This Crabmeat Au Gratin is delicious when served with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Pair it with a glass of white wine for a delightful meal. For a complete seafood experience, consider serving it alongside other seafood recipes like a Seafood Frittata.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, place the au gratin in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the dish rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Julie'S Crabmeat Au Gratin contains roughly 2052 calories, with 29g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 198g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (57% of the Daily Value), calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 631mg per serving (27% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble everything in the casserole dish, cover it, and bake it when you're ready to serve. This is a great way to save time for gatherings.
What type of crabmeat should I use?
Using lump crabmeat will give you the best texture and flavor, but you can also use backfin or even canned crabmeat in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well before adding to your mixture.
Can I freeze the crabmeat au gratin?
Freezing is possible, but it may affect the texture. If you choose to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and use within two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
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).