When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the creamy, cheesy indulgence of mac and cheese. But what if we told you there was a way to elevate this classic dish to something extraordinary? Enter crab mac and cheese — a luxurious twist on a beloved favorite. With tender pieces of fresh crab, a velvety cheese sauce, and a golden, crispy panko topping, this dish is perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or a night in when you’re craving something extra indulgent.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or a mac and cheese enthusiast, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. So, let’s dive into everything you need to know about making the best crab mac and cheese from scratch!
Table of Contents
Recipe Card
Recipe name: Crab Mac and Cheese Recipe
Description: This crab mac and cheese is fresh crab tossed with corkscrew pasta in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs and fresh herbs, it’s a decadent, elegant meal that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 537 kcal
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided use
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 pound corkscrew pasta (like cavatappi or cellentani), uncooked
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups cooked crab meat (plus more for garnish, if desired)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chives, thinly sliced
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 2- or 3-quart baking dish with some cooking spray.
- Prepare the sauce: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 30 seconds until smooth.
- Add liquids: Slowly pour in water, whisking until smooth and just starting to thicken. Add milk and whisk again until well combined.
- Cook the pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Add the cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add the crab: Carefully mix in the crab meat, taking care not to break it apart too much.
- Prepare the topping: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and combine it with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the mac and cheese to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the top is a lovely golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh chives and additional crab meat, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Fresh crab meat is best for this recipe, as it has better flavor and texture than canned crab meat.
- For convenience, you can purchase shelled crab meat, but you can also steam whole crabs and extract the meat yourself.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce. Pre-shredded cheeses are coated with anti-caking agents that hinder melting.
- This recipe calls for uncooked pasta, which cooks directly in the milk and water mixture. Using pre-cooked pasta may result in a dish that is too watery.
- Serve the crab mac and cheese immediately after baking, as the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 537 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 694 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 97 mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent and Indulgent: With creamy cheese and fresh crab, it’s a luxurious treat.
- Perfect for Entertaining: A crowd-pleaser that feels gourmet but is easy to prepare.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Crab: Fresh crab is best, but canned crab can be used in a pinch.
- Pasta: Cavatappi or cellentani work best, but you can substitute elbow macaroni, fusilli, or penne.
- Cheese: Use sharp cheddar and mozzarella for optimal flavor and creaminess. Gruyère, fontina, or Monterey Jack can also be used.
How to Make Crab Mac and Cheese (Step-by-Step)
Making crab mac and cheese from scratch is easier than you might think! Follow this step-by-step guide to create a creamy, cheesy, and decadent dish that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 2 or 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray. This will ensure your crab mac and cheese doesn’t stick to the dish, making for an easy cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Sauce Base
In a large pot over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 30 seconds until it turns into a smooth paste. This roux is the key to a creamy, velvety sauce for your crab mac and cheese.
Step 3: Add the Liquids
Pour in the water while whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. As the mixture starts to thicken, slowly add the milk while continuing to whisk. Bring this to a gentle simmer, ensuring it’s smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Stir in the uncooked corkscrew pasta, kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Let the pasta cook directly in the milk and water mixture. This method allows the pasta to absorb all the delicious flavors while it softens. Stir occasionally for 10-12 minutes, ensuring the pasta cooks evenly.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has completely melted into a smooth, creamy sauce. This is where the magic happens—the creamy, cheesy base for your crab mac and cheese.
Step 6: Add the Crab Meat
Gently fold in the cooked crab meat, being careful not to break it up too much. You’ll want generous chunks of fresh crab in every bite of your crab mac and cheese. Make sure the crab is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
Step 7: Assemble the Dish
Pour the pasta and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to evenly spread it out into a uniform layer.
Step 8: Prepare the Topping
Melt the other 2 tablespoons of butter and combine it with the panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this buttery breadcrumb topping over the pasta. The breadcrumbs will add a crispy, golden finish to your crab mac and cheese.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. This step gives your crab mac and cheese its iconic crunchy top.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle it with fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor. For an extra touch of indulgence, garnish with additional crab meat if desired. Serve immediately while it’s hot and bubbly for the ultimate crab mac and cheese experience.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents, which prevent smooth melting.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: The pasta will continue to cook in the sauce, so cook it until just tender.
- Serve Immediately: Crab mac and cheese is best enjoyed fresh as the pasta absorbs the sauce over time.
Variations and Customizations
- Seafood Medley: Add shrimp or lobster for a surf-and-turf twist.
- Bacon Lover’s Dream: Add cooked bacon for a smoky, savory element.
- Spice It Up: To add some heat, sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, red chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator: Keep it in an airtight container for as long as 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve crab mac and cheese with:
- Fresh green salad
- Roasted asparagus or broccoli
- Crusty bread or garlic knots
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What can you serve with Crab Mac and Cheese?
Crab Mac and Cheese is a rich and hearty dish, so it pairs well with lighter sides like a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables such as asparagus and broccoli. You can also serve it with a loaf of bakery-style bread for a more filling meal.
Can I use frozen crab meat?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish but don’t add breadcrumbs. Refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Add breadcrumbs and bake before serving.
Related Recipes
If you love the rich and comforting flavors of crab mac and cheese, here are some other seafood-inspired dishes to try:
- Shrimp Scampi Pasta: A quick and flavorful pasta dish with tender shrimp in a garlic butter sauce with a touch of lemon.
- Maryland Crab Cakes: Traditional crab cakes packed with fresh crab meat, herbs, and seasonings, pan-fried to golden perfection.
- Seafood Chowder: A hearty and creamy soup filled with fresh seafood, tender potatoes, and rich, savory broth.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to elevate your comfort food game, this crab mac and cheese is a must-try. It’s rich, creamy, and indulgent with just the right amount of elegance. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your family, friends, or dinner party guests with this show-stopping dish. Enjoy every cheesy, crab-filled bite!