Print

Easy Creamy Crab Mornay Dip Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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