Mike'S Crab Au Gratin
Mike's Crab Au Gratin offers a rich, cheesy, and flavorful seafood dish with hints of sherry and Worcestershire, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute butter and flour until smooth.
- Add milk, chicken bouillon, beaten egg, sherry, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper; simmer until warm.
- Add crab meat and grated cheese; mix well.
- Turn mixture into a 9 x 13 inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh crab meat for a more authentic taste. If you're in a pinch, canned crab can work as a substitute, but be sure to drain it well. For a creamier texture, you can replace half of the milk with heavy cream. Adjust the amount of Tabasco based on your heat preference, or try a different hot sauce if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mike's Crab Au Gratin with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with California Cream Soup for a comforting dinner. For a festive touch, garnish with chopped parsley or chives before serving. Enjoy it as a main dish or a rich appetizer at your next gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mike'S Crab Au Gratin contains roughly 228 calories, with 6g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2294mg per serving (100% 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 in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute crab with shrimp, lobster, or even a mix of seafood for a varied flavor. Just ensure the seafood is cooked before adding it to the mixture, and adjust cooking times if necessary.
What kind of cheese works best in this au gratin?
A good melting cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère works best for this recipe. Feel free to mix different cheeses for added flavor, but avoid using pre-shredded cheese as it may not melt as smoothly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and transfer it to the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).