Andy Montoya
Crab and cheese is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for years. While some may believe that seafood and dairy do not go well together, this is a myth. Shellfish like crab, shrimp, and lobster have a rich, buttery taste that pairs well with heavier types of dairy, like cream sauces. There are many types of cheese that go well with crab, from creamy types like brie and camembert to blue cheese, gorgonzola, and roquefort.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Cream cheese, Blue cheese, Roquefort, Brie, Camembert, Goat cheese, Gouda, Gruyere, Fontina, Monterrey Jack, Mozzarella, Feta, Parmesan, Cheddar |
| Crab dish | Crab dip, Crab cakes, Crab au gratin, Crab grilled cheese |
| Flavour | Tangy, Lemony, Earthy, Salty, Spicy, Rich, Nutty, Caramelly, Sharp, Sweet |
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What You'll Learn
Crab and cheese grilled sandwiches
Ingredients
- Crab meat (preferably fresh lump crab meat sourced from coastal waters)
- Bread ?(sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, whole grain, rustic white, or regular sandwich bread)
- Cheese (sharp cheddar, gruyere, or a mix of both)
- Butter
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard (optional)
- Old Bay seasoning
- Chives or green onions
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the crab meat, mayonnaise, mustard (if using), Old Bay seasoning, and chopped chives or green onions. Stir until the crab is well-coated.
- If using cayenne pepper and lemon juice, combine them with mayonnaise, grated cheese, and salt and pepper in a separate bowl. Add the crab meat to this mixture and stir to combine.
- Take your chosen bread and sprinkle shredded cheese on four slices, ensuring an even layer.
- Spoon the crab mixture on top of the cheese, spreading it out to cover the entire surface of each slice.
- Top each slice with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
- Spread softened butter generously on the outer sides of the sandwiches.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the sandwiches buttered-side down and grill for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for a minute before slicing and serving while the cheese is still melty and gooey.
Tips and Serving Suggestions
- For an extra cheesy treat, grate some extra gruyere on top of the crab filling before grilling.
- To achieve a golden and crispy exterior, use softened butter and spread it evenly on the bread.
- Avoid cooking over high heat to prevent burnt bread and unevenly melted cheese.
- Experiment with different types of bread and cheese to find your favourite combination.
- Serve with a side of tomato soup, coleslaw, crispy fries, or roasted corn on the cob for a complete meal.
Grilled crab and cheese sandwiches are a delicious and indulgent treat, perfect for a quick lunch or a cosy dinner. The sweetness of the crab pairs beautifully with the sharpness of cheddar or the creaminess of gruyere, creating a unique and mouthwatering flavour combination. Enjoy the culinary magic that unfolds between two slices of bread!
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Crab cakes with cheese
Crab cakes are a delicious treat, and there are many ways to prepare them. The key to a good crab cake is to use minimal filler and maximum crab. Fresh, high-quality lump crab meat is best, but if that's not available, canned crab meat is a good alternative.
When it comes to adding cheese to your crab cakes, there are several options that can enhance the flavour and texture of the dish. Here are some suggestions:
Cream Cheese
A classic combination, cream cheese can be mixed with mayonnaise, sour cream, old bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and mustard powder to create a delicious dip for your crab cakes. This mixture can then be baked and served with bread. Cream cheese provides a tangy, creamy base that pairs well with the sweetness of the crab.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a popular choice for pairing with crab due to its rich, nutty, and slightly salty and spicy flavour profile. It adds complexity and richness to the dish. Blue cheese can be crumbled or melted on top of the crab cakes, or used as a dressing or dip on the side.
Gruyere
Gruyere is a Swiss cheese that has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It melts well, making it a perfect addition to crab cakes. Gruyere can be shredded and mixed into the crab cake batter or sprinkled on top before baking. It pairs beautifully with the crab and enhances the overall flavour of the dish.
Brie or Camembert
These soft, creamy cheeses add a touch of decadence to your crab cakes. They have a mild, buttery flavour that complements the sweetness of the crab. Brie or Camembert can be served alongside the crab cakes, or melted on top for an indulgent twist.
Goat Cheese
Goat cheese, also known as chevre, has a tangy, lemony flavour that pairs exceptionally well with seafood. It has a creamy texture and a distinctive taste that can elevate your crab cakes. Goat cheese can be crumbled over the crab cakes or served as a spread on the side.
When preparing crab cakes with cheese, it is important to consider the balance of flavours and textures. You don't want the cheese to overwhelm the delicate taste of the crab. Experiment with different types of cheese and find the combination that suits your taste preferences.
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Crab and cheese dips
A basic crab and cheese dip will include cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, and green onions. To spice up the dip, add mustard powder, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and lemon juice. You can also add shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture or sprinkle it on top before baking. Bake the dip for 20-30 minutes at 350° Fahrenheit until it is hot and bubbly.
For a more decadent version, try a jumbo lump crab au gratin, which is made with a combination of melted gruyere cheese and cayenne pepper. You can also add some hot sauce for an extra kick. To make this dish, gently divide the crab meat among individual casseroles or a large baking dish, pour the cheese sauce over the crab, and sprinkle with grated cheese on top. Bake until bubbly, and then broil until the cheese begins to brown.
There are many types of cheese that pair well with crab, including creamy cheeses like brie and camembert, as well as blue cheese, Roquefort, and gorgonzola. These cheeses add a delicious taste and texture to the crab dip while also providing protein and calcium. For a fun presentation, you can also serve the crab dip in a bread bowl by hollowing out a loaf of bread and filling it with the dip.
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Crab and cheese au gratin
To make crab and cheese au gratin, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter your baking dish, which can be a small casserole dish, individual ramekins, or au gratin dishes. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and add onions, celery, green onions, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, then sprinkle in flour and stir until smooth. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, and then add wine and bring to a bubble. Reduce the heat and stir in your chosen cheese, along with seasonings like salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, parsley, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper.
Fold in the crab meat gently, trying not to break up the lumps. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. If using breadcrumbs, mix them with melted butter and sprinkle on top. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. For an extra decadent touch, use heavy cream instead of milk in your sauce. Serve your crab and cheese au gratin with a garden salad and hot French bread, or enjoy it as an appetizer with sturdy crackers.
For the cheese, you can use a good melting cheese such as fontina, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try using a combination of these cheeses to create a unique flavour profile. Just remember to grate or shred your own cheese for the best results.
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Crab and cheese macaroni
When it comes to creating a delicious dish of crab and cheese macaroni, the choice of cheese is crucial to complement the sweet and delicate flavour of crab. Here are some cheese options that can enhance your mac and cheese while highlighting the crab's unique taste.
A classic choice is sharp Cheddar cheese. Its strong, tangy flavour can stand up to the crab without overwhelming it. For the best results, opt for a mature or extra sharp Cheddar, which has a more intense flavour due to longer ageing. Another traditional option is Swiss cheese, known for its mild, nutty flavour. Its creamy texture melts smoothly, adding a delicate touch to the dish without overpowering the crab.
If you're feeling adventurous, try experimenting with some less conventional cheeses. Gruyère, a Swiss cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavour, can add depth and complexity to your mac and cheese. Its smooth, creamy texture pairs well with the crab, creating a rich and indulgent dish. For a bolder option, consider blue cheese. Its strong, pungent flavour can provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the crab. However, use it sparingly to avoid overwhelming the other ingredients.
Goat cheese is another interesting option to consider. Its tangy and creamy flavour can complement the crab beautifully. Goat cheese has a softer texture than other cheeses, so it blends seamlessly into the sauce, adding a subtle twist to the traditional mac and cheese. Lastly, for a truly indulgent and unique flavour profile, try using a combination of cheeses. A blend of mild and sharp cheeses, such as Monterey Jack and sharp Cheddar, can create a complex and creamy sauce that highlights the sweetness of the crab.
When making crab and cheese macaroni, remember to adjust the amount of cheese to your taste and always aim for high-quality, freshly grated cheese for the best results. By carefully selecting the right cheese, you can create a harmonious dish where the flavours of crab and cheese meld together beautifully.
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Frequently asked questions
Crab and cheese is a classic combination, with crab grilled cheese and crab mac and cheese being two popular dishes. For a crab grilled cheese sandwich, you can use cheddar, while for crab mac and cheese, a mix of cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan works well.
Crab is a shellfish with a rich, buttery taste, so it pairs well with heavier types of dairy and cream sauces. Cheeses like parmesan, feta, and brie are good choices.
Yes, the preparation and flavour combinations are important. For example, if you're making a crab dip, you might choose a different cheese than you would for crab sushi or a crab grilled cheese sandwich.
Yes, besides crab grilled cheese and crab mac and cheese, you can also try making a seafood risotto with crab, shrimp, and lobster and adding parmesan. Crab and cream cheese is also a nice combination.
