CRAB AU GRATIN SPREAD

Crab Au Gratin Spread image

For a warm and winning appetizer, Suzanne Zick of Maiden, North Carolina serves this special cracker spread. It's rich tasting and easy to whip up with convenient canned crab.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 35m

Yield about 2 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon butter, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
1 can (6 ounces) crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed or 2/3 cup chopped imitation crabmeat
1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained and chopped
1-1/2 teaspoons minced chives
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon dry bread crumbs
Assorted crackers

Steps:

In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in the flour, salt and paprika until smooth. Gradually add the cream, milk and wine. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the crab, mushrooms and chives; heat through. Stir in cheese just until melted., Transfer to a greased shallow 1-qt. baking dish. Melt remaining butter; toss with bread crumbs. Sprinkle over crab mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 10-15 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 64 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 22mg cholesterol, Sodium 185mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 4g protein.