Shrimp And Crabmeat Au Gratin
Shrimp and crabmeat au gratin offers a rich, creamy seafood experience with a buttery, cheesy topping and crunchy bread crumbs. Perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners, its savory flavors and golden crust make it an irresistible dish for seafood lovers and entertaining guests alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 stalk celery, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 (5.33 oz.) can evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1 egg yolk ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 pound crabmeat ⓘ
- 1/4 pound shrimp, boiled, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 3 ounces American cheese ⓘ
- Italian bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute celery and chopped onion in butter until wilted.
- Blend in flour, mixing well.
- Gradually add evaporated milk, stirring constantly.
- Add egg yolk, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Put crabmeat and chopped shrimp in a mixing bowl; pour the cooked sauce over the seafood and mix well.
- Transfer half of the mixture to a lightly-greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with half the American cheese; repeat the layers.
- Sprinkle the top with Italian bread crumbs.
- Bake at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the sauce. If you can’t find crabmeat, you could substitute with additional shrimp or even lobster for a luxurious twist. Ensure your seafood is fresh for the best flavor, and feel free to add herbs like parsley or Old Bay seasoning for extra zest. This dish is a great way to use leftover seafood from recipes like Hot Crab Dip(Tasty . . . Fast!) or Crab Chowder.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Shrimp and Crabmeat Au Gratin hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a light meal. For a more substantial dinner, consider serving it alongside rice pilaf or crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or family gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the au gratin in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but they might not retain the same crisp topping, so consider broiling briefly to refresh it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp And Crabmeat Au Gratin contains roughly 625 calories, with 16g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 991mg per serving (43% 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 frozen shrimp and crabmeat for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp and crabmeat can be used as substitutes. Just ensure they are thoroughly thawed and drained before adding them to the mixture to prevent excess moisture. This will help maintain the texture of the dish and ensure it bakes evenly.
What can I substitute for American cheese?
If American cheese isn't available, you can substitute with cheddar or a mild mozzarella for similar melting properties. For a sharper flavor, consider using Gruyere or a blend of cheeses that melt well. Just keep in mind that it may alter the overall taste slightly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the seafood mixture and sauce ahead of time, then layer it in the casserole dish and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold, ensuring it heats through properly.
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).