Gourmet Spinach and Lump Crab Au Gratin
Indulge in this luxurious Spinach and Lump Crab Au Gratin, a dish that beautifully blends tender lump crab meat, vibrant spinach, and a creamy cheese sauce. Honored as the 'Grand Champion' in our annual cooking contest, this recipe is a testament to the harmony of flavors and textures. It's perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a sophisticated yet comforting dish. Serve it as an elegant appetizer or a delightful main course paired with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
6
Servings
375
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen chopped spinach
16 ounces (Microwaved and drained)
Butter
1/2 cup (Melted)
Lump crabmeat
1 lb (Sautéed)
All-purpose flour
1 tablespoon (Used to thicken sauce)
Monterey Jack cheese
4 ounces (Cubed)
Philadelphia Cream Cheese
4 ounces (Cubed)
Half-and-half
3/4 cup (Used in cheese sauce)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Seasoning)
White pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Seasoning)
Ground cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Seasoning)
Shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup (For topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare the frozen chopped spinach according to the package instructions in the microwave. Once finished, drain and set it aside to cool slightly.
3
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
4
Gently add the lump crab meat to the skillet and sauté for about 3 minutes, being careful not to break up the crab pieces too much. Once sautéed, remove the crab meat from the skillet, leaving the melted butter in the pan.
5
In the same skillet, add the all-purpose flour. Cook on low heat, stirring continuously until well blended and slightly golden.
6
Incorporate the cubed Monterey Jack and Philadelphia cream cheese into the flour mixture, stirring on low heat until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
7
Gradually add the half-and-half, along with the salt, white pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir continuously until the mixture starts to gently boil. Once it bubbles, remove the skillet from heat immediately.
8
Carefully fold in the sautéed crab meat and drained spinach into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
9
Pour the mixture into a 9x9-inch shallow casserole dish or divide evenly among 6 individual ramekins.
10
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and take in the heavenly aroma.
Nutrition Information
27g
Fat
6g
Carbs
21g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Spinach and Lump Crab Au Gratin?
It is a luxurious, creamy baked dish featuring lump crab meat, chopped spinach, and a blend of Monterey Jack, cream cheese, and cheddar.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What type of crab meat is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for lump crabmeat for the best texture and flavor.
How should I prepare the spinach?
Use 16 ounces of frozen chopped spinach, microwave it according to package instructions, and drain it thoroughly.
How long should I sauté the crab meat?
Sauté the lump crab meat in butter for about 3 minutes, being careful not to break up the pieces.
What types of cheese are used in the sauce?
The sauce uses a combination of Monterey Jack and Philadelphia cream cheese.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories.
Is this dish high in protein?
Yes, it contains 21 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 27 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with only 6 grams per serving.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The recipe is seasoned with salt, white pepper, and a touch of ground cayenne pepper.
Can I use individual ramekins for baking?
Yes, you can divide the mixture evenly among 6 individual ramekins instead of using a casserole dish.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 9x9-inch shallow casserole dish is recommended.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake it for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What is the purpose of the all-purpose flour?
The flour is used to create a roux with butter to thicken the cheese sauce.
What type of cheese goes on top?
Shredded cheddar cheese is sprinkled over the top before baking.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely, it was a 'Grand Champion' contest winner and is perfect for holidays or gourmet entertaining.
Can I serve this as an appetizer?
Yes, it works beautifully as an elegant appetizer or a sophisticated main course.
What liquid is used for the creamy base?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of half-and-half.
Should the sauce be boiled?
Yes, stir the mixture until it starts to gently boil, then immediately remove it from the heat.
What is the best way to incorporate the crab into the sauce?
Gently fold the sautéed crab and spinach into the cheese sauce to keep the crab lumps intact.
Is there any preparation needed for the butter?
The butter should be melted in a skillet over medium heat before adding the crab.
Can I substitute white pepper with black pepper?
While white pepper is traditional for maintaining the sauce's color, black pepper can be used as a substitute.
What should I serve with this Au Gratin?
It pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh, light salad.
How do I know the sauce is ready?
The sauce is ready when the cheeses are completely melted, smooth, and the mixture has reached a gentle boil.
Is the cayenne pepper very spicy?
The 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne adds a subtle warmth without making the dish overly hot.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The nutritional information lists fiber as null, though the spinach provides a small amount of dietary fiber.
Why is it called 'Au Gratin'?
It is called 'Au Gratin' because it is baked with a browned cheese topping.
Can I use fresh crab?
Yes, fresh lump crab meat is excellent for this recipe if available.