Description
Looking for a luxurious, comforting seafood dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in? This Jumbo Lump Crab Pot Pie delivers elegance and indulgence in every bite. Succulent crab meat is folded into a rich, creamy filling with tender vegetables and fresh herbs, all topped with a golden, flaky puff pastry crust. It’s seafood comfort food at its absolute finest.
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Ingredients
For the Filling:
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1 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small shallot, finely chopped
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1 small carrot, diced
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½ cup celery, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 cup seafood stock or low-sodium chicken broth
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½ cup whole milk or half-and-half
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2 tbsp heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
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¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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¼ tsp black pepper
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1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
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8 oz jumbo lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
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1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
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1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
For the Crust:
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1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Filling
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In a medium skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
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Add shallots, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
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Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
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Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
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Slowly pour in seafood stock while stirring to prevent lumps.
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Add milk (and cream if using), and bring to a gentle simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, Old Bay, salt, and pepper.
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Fold in peas, parsley, thyme, and finally, the lump crab meat. Be gentle to keep the crab in large pieces.
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Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pastry
10. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
11. Roll out the puff pastry slightly on a lightly floured surface.
12. Cut to fit your ramekins or baking dish, leaving a slight overhang if desired.
Step 3: Assemble the Pot Pie
13. Spoon the crab filling evenly into ramekins or your baking dish.
14. Top with puff pastry, pressing edges gently to seal.
15. Cut a small slit or “X” in the center to allow steam to escape.
16. Brush pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Step 4: Bake the Pot Pie
17. Place ramekins or dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
18. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden.
19. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving—filling will be very hot!
Notes
Use Fresh or Pasteurized Jumbo Lump Crab – The sweet, delicate flavor shines best with high-quality crab.
Don’t Over-Stir the Crab – Gently fold it in at the end to preserve those big chunks.
Chill Filling Slightly – Warm (not hot) filling keeps the puff pastry crisp.
Avoid Overbaking – Remove once golden to prevent pastry from becoming dry.
Serve Immediately – Best eaten hot with a flaky crust straight from the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American Coastal