Easy Creamy Crab Mornay Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Creamy Crab Mornay Dip is a rich and flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering. Combining tender crabmeat with a smooth cheese sauce, it’s simple to make yet impressively delicious.

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter
• 4 scallions (white parts only), minced
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 pint half and half
• 8 oz Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon Sherry
• ¼–½ teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 lb fresh claw or lump crabmeat

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt the butter in a medium, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced scallions and chopped parsley, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in the flour and whisk continuously, cooking for another 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the half and half, whisking until smooth. Then, add the shredded Swiss cheese and continue whisking until the cheese is fully melted into the sauce.
4. Step 4: Stir in the Sherry and ground red pepper to taste. Gently fold in the crabmeat, being careful not to break up the lumps.
5. Step 5: Heat the mixture for a few minutes until thoroughly warmed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or scallion greens, or transfer to a chafing dish to keep warm.
6. Step 6 (optional): For a heartier dish, fill baked puff pastry shells with the crab mornay and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh crabmeat for the best flavor, but canned lump crab can be a convenient substitute.
• Adjust the ground red pepper to your preferred spice level for a milder or spicier dip.
• Serve with toasted baguette slices or fresh vegetable crudités for variety.
• For a richer sauce, substitute some half and half with heavy cream.

Storage

Store leftover crab mornay dip covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat over low heat to prevent curdling. Stir occasionally until warmed through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the crab mornay dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dip ahead and refrigerate it after cooking. When ready to serve, reheat gently over low heat until warmed through.

What can I serve with this crab dip?

This dip pairs well with toasted bread, crackers, vegetable sticks, or even inside baked puff pastry shells for a more substantial appetizer.

Easy Creamy Crab Mornay Dip Recipe

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4.6 from 68 reviews

This Easy Creamy Crab Mornay Dip is a luxurious and flavorful appetizer featuring tender crab meat in a rich, cheesy sauce made with Swiss cheese, butter, and half and half. It’s perfect for entertaining or casual gatherings, served warm with a garnish of fresh parsley or scallions. For a more substantial meal, try filling puff pastry shells with this delicious dip.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Dip Ingredients

• ½ cup butter
• 4 scallions, white parts only, minced
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 pint half and half
• 8 oz Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon Sherry
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 lb fresh claw or lump crabmeat

Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics: Melt butter in a heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced scallions and chopped parsley and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
2. Make roux and add dairy: Sprinkle in all-purpose flour and whisk continuously, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the half and half, then add shredded Swiss cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
3. Add flavorings and crab: Stir in the Sherry and ground red pepper to taste. Gently fold in the crabmeat carefully to keep lumps intact, heating the mixture for a few minutes until warmed through without breaking the crab pieces.
4. Serve or keep warm: Serve the dip immediately or transfer to a chafing dish to keep warm. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or minced scallion greens.
5. Optional puff pastry serving: For an entree-style presentation, bake frozen puff pastry shells according to package instructions and fill them with the warm crab mornay mixture just before serving.
6. Make ahead instructions: If preparing ahead, cover and refrigerate the dip after folding in the crab. Reheat gently over low heat before serving.

Notes

• If making ahead, cover and refrigerate after adding crab. Reheat over low heat before serving.
• Use fresh claw or lump crabmeat for best texture and flavor.
• Adjust ground red pepper to suit your preferred spice level.
• Swiss cheese provides a creamy, nutty flavor; feel free to substitute with Gruyère if desired.
• Serve with toasted bread, crackers, or puff pastry shells to complement the rich dip.

Keywords: Crab Mornay, Crab Dip, Creamy Crab Dip, Appetizer, Easy Crab Recipe, Swiss Cheese Crab Dip