Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin

The first time I made Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin, it was on a chilly winter evening, and I was looking for something special to warm my family’s hearts and bellies. The combination of tender shrimp and sweet crab enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce was just what we needed. It became a family favorite, often requested for special occasions and cozy dinners alike. It’s the type of dish that brings people together, creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. As the tantalizing aroma wafts through the kitchen, even the pickiest eaters can’t resist the allure of melted cheese and seafood goodness. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering of loved ones, Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin has a way of making every moment feel special. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!

What You’ll Need for Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin

When it comes to preparing Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin, the ingredients play a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each element contributes to the creamy richness, while the seafood shines through to create a delightful dish that’s sure to impress.

• 4 tablespoons butter: This is the base of our creamy sauce, adding richness.
• 1/2 cup finely diced celery: Provides a subtle crunch and earthy flavor.
• 1/2 cup finely diced white onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to achieve that creamy consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon finely ground black pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
• 5 ounces American cheese, cubed: Melts beautifully, adding creaminess.
• 2 cups milk: Forms the base of our sauce, providing creaminess.
• 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce: A little kick to elevate the flavors.
• 1/4 pound cooked crab meat: The star ingredient that adds sweetness.
• 1/2 pound cooked shrimp: Brings a lovely texture and flavor to the dish.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The topping that creates a delicious, melty layer.
• 3 cups cooked rice: To serve the gratin over, absorbing the sauce.

How to Cook Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin

Cooking Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with rich aromas and flavors. You’ll find the steps straightforward and rewarding, allowing you to create a comforting dish for any occasion. Let’s dive right in!

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. This is an important step, as you want your dish to bake evenly and thoroughly. Ensuring your oven is at the right temperature will help achieve that beautiful, golden-brown top.

2. Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat. Watch the butter as it melts; it should foam a bit but not brown. This step is crucial for building the flavor base of your sauce.

3. Add the finely diced celery and onion to the melted butter and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent. This usually takes about five minutes. The gentle cooking will soften the vegetables, releasing their natural sweetness into the mixture.

4. Stir in the flour to incorporate it with the vegetable mixture, cooking for about two minutes until fragrant. Be careful to keep stirring, as you don’t want the flour to clump. This step helps to thicken the sauce later on.

5. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. You’ll want to keep an eye on the texture; it should be creamy and smooth—like a velvety sauce that coats the back of a spoon.

6. Add the cubed American cheese to the mixture and stir until melted. Watching the cheese melt into the sauce is one of the most satisfying parts of this recipe. It brings a rich, creamy texture that enhances the overall dish.

7. Next, gently fold in the cooked crab meat and shrimp until they’re evenly coated with the sauce. You’ll want to be gentle so that the shrimp remains whole and the crab doesn’t break apart too much.

8. Pour the seafood mixture into a greased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish and spread it evenly. This is where all the flavors meld together, creating a beautiful center for your Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin.

9. Top the mixture with shredded cheddar cheese for that perfect cheesy crust. Don’t skimp on this part! A generous layer of cheese will give you that satisfying melt and golden color.

10. Bake for about 20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. As it bakes, keep an eye on it; you want that perfect color without burning. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!

11. Once done, serve the Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin hot over cooked rice. This dish is best enjoyed right out of the oven, allowing everyone to dig in while it’s still warm and inviting.

Helpful Hints

Cooking is an art, and a few tips can enhance your experience with Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin. Here are some helpful hints to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Storage: Store leftover Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: It’s best not to freeze seafood dishes like this one, as the texture may become grainy upon reheating.
• Reheating: When reheating, do so gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if necessary to restore creaminess.
• Pairing: Serve your Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
• Variations: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Side Dish Ideas for Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin

When figuring out the perfect sides to accompany Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin, you want to keep it simple, allowing the main dish to shine. Here are some delicious ideas:

• Garlic Bread: A crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast to the richness of the gratin.
• Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a nice pop of color and flavor, complementing the dish perfectly.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can cut through the creaminess, providing a refreshing crunch.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables bring a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the seafood.
• Rice Pilaf: A flavored rice pilaf can elevate the dish further, adding complexity and depth.
• Quinoa Salad: A nutritious quinoa salad adds a nutty flavor that enhances the overall meal experience.

FAQ

Conclusion

The rich and creamy Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin is a true culinary delight that brings comfort and warmth to any table. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. I encourage you to give it a try; you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients can create such a delicious meal!

Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin

The ultimate comfort food, Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin combines rich, creamy sauce with tender shrimp and crab. This easy weeknight dinner will satisfy your seafood cravings and impress your guests. Make it tonight for a memorable meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Wooden Spoon
• Frying Pan
• Oven
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 1/2 cup Finely diced celery
• 1/2 cup Finely diced white onion
• 4 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Finely ground black pepper
• 5 ounces American cheese, cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 2 cups Milk
• 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
• 1/4 pound Cooked crab meat
• 1/2 pound Cooked shrimp
• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 cups Cooked rice to serve

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat.
• Add the celery and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent.
• Add the flour, stir to incorporate, and cook for about 2 minutes or until fragrant.
• Add the milk and stir constantly until thickened.
• Add the cubed American cheese and stir until melted.
• Then add the crab and shrimp.
• Pour the mixture into a greased 1 1/2–quart casserole dish and top with shredded cheese.
• Bake for 20 minutes and serve over hot cooked rice.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftover Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: It's best not to freeze seafood dishes like this one, as the texture may become grainy upon reheating.
• Reheating: When reheating, do so gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if necessary to restore creaminess.
• Pairing: Serve your Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
• Variations: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Keyword Comfort Food Recipe, Easy Seafood Dinner, Seafood Au Gratin, Shrimp and Crab Gratin

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Meet Olivia Bennett

For me, cooking is about connection. Whether I’m making a quick breakfast or a three course dinner, I focus on the feeling the food gives you. I love the entire process of food blogging, from chopping the first onion to adjusting the lighting for the final photo. I’m the one who reminds the team to slow down and really taste the food as we go, ensuring every recipe has that “home-cooked” warmth.