Heavenly Jumbo Lump Crab Cheese Recipe for Seafood Fans

Succulent jumbo lump crab cheese delight dances on the edge of culinary perfection, promising an irresistible blend of oceanic richness and creamy indulgence.

Seafood lovers will swoon over this elegant dish that marries delicate crab meat with velvety cheese.

Each bite bursts with luxurious flavors that transport you straight to coastal dining experiences.

The recipe combines simplicity with gourmet flair, making it perfect for intimate gatherings or special weekend treats.

Delicate crab morsels nestled in a blanket of melted cheese create a symphony of textures that tantalize the palate.

Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor – this dish proves that sometimes the most extraordinary meals emerge from the most straightforward preparations.

Dive into this decadent creation and let your taste buds celebrate a true seafood masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 7

Jumbo Lump Crab Cheese Ingredient List

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy foundation and helps develop deep flavor for the sauce.
• Onion: Provides sweet, aromatic base that enhances overall dish complexity.
• Celery: Brings subtle crunch and earthy undertone to the recipe's flavor profile.
• Green Onions: Offers fresh, mild onion essence with bright green color accent.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, pungent depth that elevates the entire dish's taste.

• Egg Yolks: Creates silky smooth texture and helps thicken the sauce naturally.
• Evaporated Milk: Provides concentrated, creamy consistency without excess liquid.
• Flour: Acts as thickening agent to give sauce luxurious, velvety consistency.
• Milk: Helps create smooth, balanced sauce with perfect liquid integration.

• Lemon Juice: Introduces bright, tangy contrast to rich cheese and crab elements.
• Hot Sauce: Adds subtle heat and complex spicy undertone to the dish.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all other ingredients' natural flavors.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings gentle warmth and depth to the overall taste profile.
• Black Pepper: Contributes sharp, slightly sharp background note.
• Jumbo Lump Crab Meat: Serves as luxurious, tender protein centerpiece of the recipe.
• Cheese: Delivers creamy, melty richness that binds entire dish together.

Must-Have Tools for Crab Cheese Success

• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing vegetables and creating the cheese sauce base.
• Small bowl: Perfect for whisking egg yolks and evaporated milk.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending ingredients smoothly and preventing lumps.
• Needed for baking the crab cheese delight.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Help accurately measure ingredients.
• Cutting board: For chopping onions, celery, and green onions.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise vegetable preparation.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Helps stir and fold ingredients while cooking.

Prepping Your Jumbo Lump Crab Cheese

• Vegetable Sauté

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, celery, green onions, and garlic. Cook until vegetables soften and become fragrant, releasing their delicious aromas.

• Creamy Roux Foundation

Sprinkle flour into the skillet, blending smoothly with the sautéed vegetables. Whisk egg yolks and milk together, creating a silky liquid base for the sauce.

• Flavor Infusion

Pour milk mixture into the skillet, stirring continuously. Add lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer and develop rich, complex flavors.

• Cheese Integration

Fold in half the cheese until it melts completely, creating a smooth, luxurious sauce that coats the pan with golden deliciousness.

• Crab Placement

Gently arrange crab meat in baking dishes, ensuring the delicate lumps remain intact.

• Final Assembly

Pour cheese sauce over crab, topping with remaining cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden, creating a mouthwatering crust that promises incredible flavor.

Cheesy Tips to Enhance That Crab Flavor

• Crab Cheese Crafter's Corner: Expert Tips & Twists
• Crab Quality Matters: Select fresh, high-quality jumbo lump crab meat from reliable seafood markets for the most authentic and delicious flavor profile.
• Spice Spectrum: Adjust hot sauce and cayenne levels to match your heat tolerance, ranging from mild whispers to bold, fiery undertones that dance on your palate.
• Cheese Fusion Flexibility: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, monterey jack, or smoked gouda to create unique, personalized flavor dimensions.
• Textural Garnish Magic: Sprinkle toasted panko breadcrumbs or finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for an extra crunch and visual appeal before serving.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the cheese sauce and crab mixture up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to streamline your cooking process and enhance flavor melding.

Serving Ideas for a Cheesy Seafood Treat

• Seafood Soirée Pairing: Serve this creamy crab delight alongside crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to enhance the delicate seafood flavors.
• Elegant Accompaniment Plate: Present the dish with lightly toasted artisan bread or buttery crackers for guests to scoop up the rich, cheesy crab mixture and add delightful textural contrast.
• Bright Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives or parsley on top to introduce a vibrant green color and provide a fresh, zesty accent that cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce.
• Sophisticated Side Selection: Complement the dish with a light mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or roasted asparagus spears to balance the indulgent crab cheese casserole and create a well-rounded meal experience.

Storing Crab and Cheese the Right Way

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover crab cheese delight in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to maintain optimal texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezing Wisdom: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe containers. These delectable bites can stay frozen for approximately 1 month without losing their rich, creamy qualities.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw refrigerated or frozen portions in the fridge overnight. Warm gently in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent cheese from burning and maintain moisture.
• Meal Prep Hack: Prepare the cheese sauce and crab mixture separately up to 24 hours in advance. Keep components refrigerated in sealed containers, then assemble and bake just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and incredible flavor profile.

Ultimate Jumbo Lump Crab Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Delectable jumbo lump crab cheese delight promises rich coastal flavors from Maryland’s culinary traditions. Creamy ingredients blend seamlessly for an elegant appetizer that seafood enthusiasts will savor.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (453 g) lump crab meat, picked over for shells and cartilage
• ½ cup Gruyere cheese, grated
• ½ cup Fontina cheese, grated
• ½ cup (1 stick or 113 g) unsalted butter
• 12 oz (340 g) evaporated milk
• 2 large egg yolks, slightly beaten
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 celery rib, finely chopped
• 2 tbsps green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F, establishing the perfect thermal backdrop for this luxurious seafood creation.
2. Aromatic Foundation: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat and sauté onion, celery, white green onion sections, and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their vibrant essence for approximately 5 minutes.
3. Sauce Development: Whisk egg yolks and evaporated milk in a separate bowl, then sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture to form a delicate roux. Gradually incorporate the milk mixture, whisking continuously to create a silky, smooth sauce.
4. Flavor Layering: Infuse the sauce with lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, cayenne, and black pepper, stirring consistently for 4-5 minutes to build a complex flavor profile. Fold half of the cheese blend into the sauce, allowing it to melt and create a rich, creamy consistency.
5. Assembly and Baking: Distribute jumbo lump crab meat into individual oven-proof casseroles or an 8″x8″ baking dish. Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the crab, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top to create an enticing golden layer.
6. Finishing Touch: Bake for 15 minutes until the dish becomes effervescent, then broil for 5 minutes to achieve a beautifully bronzed, crispy cheese crust.

Notes

• Prevent Crab Breakage: Handle jumbo lump crab meat gently to maintain large, delicate chunks and avoid shredding during mixing.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk milk mixture slowly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, velvety texture that coats the crab perfectly.
• Optimize Cheese Melting: Add cheese gradually and stir constantly to ensure even melting without burning or creating greasy patches.
• Broiling Technique: Watch closely during the final 5-minute broil to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning the delicate cheese topping.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg