Crab Mac and Cheese
A luxurious twist on a comfort food classic. Tender pasta and sweet crab meat are enveloped in a rich, creamy three-cheese sauce, then baked with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
For 6 servings
8 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven and cook pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 tbsp of salt, and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp of melted butter, and chopped parsley. Mix with a fork until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Make the roux: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth, bubbly paste. This cooks out the raw flour taste.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Create the béchamel sauce: While whisking continuously, gradually pour in the warm milk. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- 5
Incorporate cheeses and seasonings: Remove the pot from the heat
- a.Add the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and cubed cream cheese. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in 1 tsp salt, black pepper, dry mustard, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Combine pasta and crab: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break up the lumps.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish or a similar 3-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb topping evenly over the surface. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and thicken slightly.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can result in a grainy sauce.
- 2Slightly undercook the pasta. It will finish cooking in the oven, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- 3Warming the milk before adding it to the roux helps create a smoother, lump-free béchamel sauce.
- 4Be gentle when folding in the crab meat to keep the delicious, sweet chunks intact.
- 5Let the mac and cheese rest after baking. This crucial step helps the sauce thicken and set, making it creamier and easier to serve.
- 6For the best flavor, use fresh Dungeness crab. However, good quality canned lump crab meat (drained well) is an excellent substitute.
Adapt it for your goals.
Different Pasta
Swap elbow macaroni for other short pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or penne.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Fold in 1 cup of steamed peas, sautéed mushrooms, or wilted spinach along with the crab meat for added nutrients and flavor.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add a finely diced jalapeño to the roux or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the finished cheese sauce for an extra kick.
Herbaceous TwistHerbaceous Twist
Incorporate other fresh herbs like chives or tarragon into the cheese sauce for a different flavor profile that complements the crab.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Both crab meat and cheese are packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Calcium
The generous amount of milk and cheese in this recipe makes it a great source of calcium, a vital mineral for strong bones and teeth.
Provides Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Crab is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health and brain function.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of this Crab Mac and Cheese contains approximately 950-1000 calories. It is a rich and indulgent dish, best enjoyed as a special treat.