Is dinner party planning stressing you out? This easy crab brulee recipe will make you look like a pro chef! It's a fancy twist on regular crab dip that's actually super simple to make. Think of it as a savory version of the dessert crème brûlée, but with sweet crab meat instead of vanilla custard.

What Makes This Crab Brulee Recipe Special?

Elevate your appetizer game with this crab brulee recipe. It turns simple ingredients into a stunning dish that’s sure to impress. Prepare it ahead of time and just sprinkle on the crunchy sugar topping right before serving. Perfect for special events or when you want to add a bit of flair to any meal.

Ingredients You'll Need To Make a Perfect Crab Brulee Recipe

• 1 pound fresh crab meat (or high-quality canned crab if fresh isn't available)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 large egg yolks
• ¼ cup mascarpone cheese
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped small
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons raw sugar (for the crunchy top)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Check your crab meat for any shells (nobody wants a crunchy surprise!)
2. Get all your ingredients ready and measured out
3. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C)

Make the Creamy Base

1. Mix heavy cream and egg yolks in a bowl until well combined
2. Add mascarpone cheese and mustard, stirring until smooth
3. Add lemon juice, chives, salt, and pepper
4. Carefully fold in the crab meat (don't break up those nice chunks!)

 Baking Time

1. Pour the mixture into 4 ramekins (those small, round baking dishes)
2. Put the ramekins in a bigger baking pan
3. Fill the bigger pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until just set but still a bit jiggly
5. Let them cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours

The Fun Part - Making the Crunchy Top

1. Sprinkle sugar evenly over each cold custard
2. Use a kitchen torch to melt the sugar until it's golden brown
3. Let it sit for a minute to harden

Make It Your Way: Recipe Variations

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
• Maryland style: Mix in some Old Bay seasoning
• Budget-friendly: Use imitation crab meat
• Dairy-free option: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and dairy-free cream cheese for mascarpone

Crab Brulee Recipe

Crab Brulee is a savory dish featuring creamy crab meat topped with caramelized sugar, combining sweet and savory flavors in a gourmet presentation.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: French

Keyword: Crab Brulee Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 portions

Calories: 425kcal

Author: Sarah Paulson

Cost: $25

Equipment

• 4 ramekins (4-ounce size)
• Kitchen torch
• Large baking dish (for water bath)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine-mesh strainer (for checking crab meat)
• Plastic wrap (for chilling)

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh lump crab meat $20-25
• 1 cup heavy cream $2
• 3 large egg yolks $1
• ¼ cup mascarpone cheese $2
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard $0.50
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice $0.25
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives finely chopped ($1)
• Salt and white pepper to taste $0.10
• 4 tablespoons raw sugar $0.25

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Work (10 minutes)

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C)
• Check crab meat for any shells and drain if needed
• Chop fresh chives
• Let mascarpone cheese come to room temperature
• Get all ingredients measured and ready

Step 2: Make the Base (10 minutes)

• In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream and egg yolks until smooth
• Add room temperature mascarpone cheese and whisk until no lumps remain
• Stir in Dijon mustard and lemon juice
• Add chopped chives, salt, and white pepper
• Gently fold in crab meat, trying not to break up the lumps

Step 3: Fill Ramekins (5 minutes)

• Divide mixture evenly among four 4-ounce ramekins
• Tap ramekins gently on counter to remove air bubbles
• Place ramekins in a large baking dish
• Pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins

Step 4: Baking (30 minutes)

• Carefully place baking dish in preheated oven
• Bake for 25-30 minutes until custards are set but still slightly jiggly in center
• When gently shaken, the center should move like Jell-O
• Internal temperature should reach 170°F if using a thermometer

Step 5: Cooling (2 hours minimum)

• Remove ramekins from water bath carefully
• Let cool on wire rack for 20 minutes
• Cover each ramekin with plastic wrap
• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight

Step 6: Finishing Touch (5 minutes)

• Remove ramekins from refrigerator
• Blot any moisture from tops with paper towel
• Sprinkle 1 tablespoon raw sugar evenly over each custard
• Use kitchen torch to caramelize sugar until golden brown
• Let stand 1 minute until sugar hardens

Notes

• Keep crab meat cold until ready to use
• Don’t skip the water bath – it ensures even cooking
• Make sure custards are very cold before torching
• Hold torch 2-3 inches from sugar while caramelizing
• Don’t torch until ready to serve

Nutrition

Calories: 425kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 30g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 395mg | Sodium: 685mg | Potassium: 225mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2085IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 128mg

Health Benefits

• High in protein from the crab meat
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• Good source of vitamins and minerals
• Contains iodine from seafood

Serving Ideas

• Serve with thin, toasted bread slices
• Add a small side salad with light vinaigrette
• Garnish with extra fresh chives
• Pair with a glass of white wine for special occasions

Pro Tips for Perfect Crab Brulee

• Room temperature ingredients work best
• Don't skip the water bath when baking
• Make sure the ramekins are super cold before adding the sugar top
• Use raw sugar for the best crunch

Time-Saving Tips

• Prep ingredients the day before
• Make the custards up to 24 hours ahead
• Have everything ready before starting
• Clean as you go to avoid a big mess

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This crab brulee recipe is a game-changer for home cooks who want to make something special without spending hours in the kitchen. It's fancy enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weekend treat. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, which is always a win!

FAQ

Try this crab brulee recipe today and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills! Share your creation on social media with #Easysavoryrecipes – we'd love to see how it turns out!