Shrimp and Crabmeat Au Gratin is a sumptuous seafood dish that combines the delicate flavors of shrimp and lump crabmeat with a rich and creamy sauce, topped with a golden brown crust of cheese and breadcrumbs. This recipe, originating from lovewithrecipes.com, is perfect for a special weeknight dinner or any occasion when you crave a decadent meal straight from the oven. With a cook time of just 30 minutes and a total preparation time of 1 hour and 30 minutes, it’s a dish that’s both impressive and relatively quick to make.
To begin crafting this culinary masterpiece, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup lump crabmeat
- 1 cup shrimp
- 3 tablespoons sherry wine
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup Romano cheese
- 1/2 cup butter
- Paprika
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup half-and-half
Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have all these ingredients on hand, as well as the necessary kitchen utensils and equipment.
Now, let’s embark on the journey of creating this delectable dish:
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Prepare the Medium Cream Sauce: Begin by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, stir in 1 tablespoon of flour and cook for about a minute, allowing the flour to combine with the butter and form a roux. This will serve as the thickening agent for your sauce. Next, gradually add 1 cup of milk or half-and-half to the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This creamy base will add richness and depth of flavor to your au gratin.
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Saute the Shrimp and Crabmeat: In a separate skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup of shrimp and 1 cup of lump crabmeat to the skillet, and sauté them in the butter until they are cooked through and slightly golden brown. This step allows the seafood to absorb the buttery goodness, enhancing its natural sweetness and tenderness.
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Combine with Sherry and Cheese: Once the shrimp and crabmeat are cooked, add 3 tablespoons of sherry wine to the skillet, along with 3 cups of sharp cheddar cheese. The sherry wine adds a subtle depth of flavor, while the sharp cheddar cheese brings a tangy richness that perfectly complements the seafood. Stir the mixture until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
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Season and Heat: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring that the flavors are perfectly balanced. Continue to heat the mixture until it is thoroughly heated through, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop into a harmonious symphony of taste and texture.
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Assemble the Au Gratin: Transfer the shrimp and crabmeat mixture into a casserole dish or individual au gratin dishes, spreading it out evenly to ensure every bite is filled with deliciousness.
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Top with Crumbs and Cheese: Sprinkle the top of the mixture with a combination of cracker crumbs, Romano cheese, and a dash of paprika. This adds a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor to the dish, creating a contrast of textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
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Bake to Perfection: Dot the top of the dish with small pieces of butter, then bake it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the top is golden brown and bubbly, creating a mouthwatering crust that seals in the flavors and aromas of the dish.
Once the au gratin is beautifully golden and bubbling hot, it’s ready to be served and enjoyed with your favorite sides or as a standalone indulgence. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, with the sweetness of the seafood perfectly balanced by the richness of the cheese and the subtle notes of sherry wine. With its creamy texture and irresistible aroma, this Shrimp and Crabmeat Au Gratin is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire, delighting your taste buds and leaving you craving more with every bite.
