Savory Crab and Gruyere Bake
Indulge in this delightful Crustless Crab and Gruyere Bake, a low-carb, high-protein dish that's perfect for seafood lovers. This savory recipe combines the delicate flavor of fresh crabmeat with the rich, nutty taste of Gruyere cheese, all enveloped in a creamy egg custard. With the added freshness of green onions and earthy sautéed mushrooms, each bite brings a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. Whether served as a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or a sophisticated dinner party dish, this baked quiche is sure to impress. Plus, it's easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggs or egg substitute
3 (Beaten)
Fat-free evaporated milk
1/2 cup (None)
Low-fat mayonnaise
1/2 cup (None)
Cornstarch
1 teaspoon (None)
Gruyere cheese
1 1/2 cups (Grated)
Crabmeat
1 (13 ounce) can (Drained)
Tabasco sauce
To taste (None (suggest 3-4 'shots'))
Green onions
3 (Chopped)
Mushrooms
1 cup (Sliced)
Canola oil
2 tablespoons (Used for sautéing and greasing)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are browned and soft. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3
While the mushrooms are cooling, grate the Gruyere cheese and chop the green onions. Set both aside.
4
In a quiche or deep pie pan, pour 1 tablespoon of canola oil and spread it evenly over the bottom and sides of the pan to prevent sticking.
5
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, fat-free evaporated milk, low-fat mayonnaise, cornstarch, and Tabasco sauce until smooth and well combined.
6
Evenly distribute the crabmeat, grated Gruyere cheese, chopped green onions, and sautéed mushrooms in the prepared quiche pan.
7
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the arranged ingredients in the pan.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
9
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Crab and Gruyere Bake?
It is a crustless, low-carb, high-protein seafood dish featuring fresh crabmeat, nutty Gruyere cheese, and a creamy egg custard.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, this is a crustless quiche-style bake designed specifically to be low in carbohydrates.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 eggs or an equivalent amount of egg substitute, beaten.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe specifically uses 1 and a half cups of grated Gruyere cheese for its rich, nutty flavor.
Can I use an egg substitute instead of whole eggs?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of an egg substitute in place of the 3 eggs.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the mixture for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set.
What kind of crabmeat should I use?
The recipe calls for one 13-ounce can of crabmeat, drained.
Do I need to cook the mushrooms before adding them to the bake?
Yes, you should sauté the sliced mushrooms in canola oil for 5-7 minutes until they are browned and soft before adding them to the pan.
What type of milk is used in the custard?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of fat-free evaporated milk.
Is mayonnaise included in the ingredients?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 cup of low-fat mayonnaise to add creaminess to the custard.
Why is cornstarch added to the egg mixture?
One teaspoon of cornstarch is whisked into the egg mixture to help stabilize the custard.
How much Tabasco sauce should I add?
Add Tabasco sauce to taste; the recipe suggests approximately 3-4 'shots' for a subtle kick.
What vegetables are included in the bake?
The bake includes 3 chopped green onions and 1 cup of sliced mushrooms.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
Pour 1 tablespoon of canola oil into a quiche or deep pie pan and spread it evenly over the bottom and sides.
How do I know when the bake is finished cooking?
It is done when the center is set and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
Let the bake cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set properly.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served warm and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Can I use a different type of oil for sautéing?
The recipe specifies canola oil, but you can likely substitute other neutral oils for sautéing and greasing.
What kind of pan is best for this recipe?
A quiche pan or a deep pie pan is recommended.
Is this recipe considered high in protein?
Yes, due to the crabmeat, eggs, and cheese, it is a high-protein dish.
Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Yes, you can grate the cheese, chop the onions, and sauté the mushrooms ahead of time.
How many green onions should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 green onions, chopped.
Is this a crustless quiche?
Yes, this is a crustless bake, making it a great gluten-free or low-carb option.
Does the recipe require salt?
The recipe does not list extra salt, as the crabmeat, cheese, and Tabasco often provide sufficient seasoning.
What is the primary flavor profile?
It has a savory, seafood flavor with nutty notes from the Gruyere and a hint of spice from the Tabasco.
How much total oil is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of canola oil: 1 for sautéing and 1 for greasing the pan.
Can I use fresh crab instead of canned?
While the recipe specifies canned crabmeat, fresh drained crabmeat can be used as a delicious substitute.
Is the custard mixture whisked or blended?
The eggs, milk, mayonnaise, cornstarch, and Tabasco should be whisked together until smooth.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The final dish has a creamy, custard-like texture interspersed with tender crab and vegetables.