Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin

Dive into the indulgent flavors of the sea with this creamy and cheesy Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin! Perfectly cooked shrimp and lump crab meat are bathed in a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, then topped with golden, buttery breadcrumbs for the ultimate seafood casserole experience. This dish combines the comfort of a rich, velvety cheese sauce with the delicate sweetness of fresh seafood, enhanced by a hint of garlic and warming spices like cayenne and paprika. Ideal for special occasions or a decadent weeknight treat, this oven-baked masterpiece is ready in under an hour and serves six. Serve it bubbling hot with crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a meal that’s sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound lump crab meat
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.25 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for toasting breadcrumbs)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.

Step 3

Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux.

Step 4

Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Remove the saucepan from heat.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Mix well.

Step 7

Fold the cooked shrimp and lump crab meat gently into the cheese sauce, ensuring they're evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish or individual ramekins for single servings.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil (optional) for extra crispiness.

Step 10

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the seafood mixture.

Step 11

Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling around the edges.

Step 12

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy and indulgent Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1598.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3324.3

Total Fat 234.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 133.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 882.7mg	0%
Sodium 6614.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 131.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.1g	0%
Total Sugars 31.2g
Protein 172.4g	0%

Vitamin D 250.7IU	0%
Calcium 2645.9mg	0%
Iron 12.0mg	0%
Potassium 2611.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.4%

Protein: 20.8%

Carbs: 15.9%