Table of Contents
Introduction
Regarding comfort food, few dishes compare to crab macaroni and cheese’s creamy, cheesy delight. This dish is a luxurious twist on traditional mac and cheese, featuring succulent, tender crab meat with a buttery, Old Bay-seasoned Ritz cracker topping. Imagine the comforting appeal of classic mac and cheese enhanced by rich, coastal flavors—perfect for special gatherings or whenever you crave something indulgent. Whether celebrating with loved ones or treating yourself to a cozy meal, crab macaroni and cheese will impress and satisfy you.
Add a blend of cheeses such as sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and parmesan to elevate this crab macaroni and cheese for an extra layer of flavor. A splash of white wine can enhance the dish, highlighting the sweetness of the crab. Serve it with fresh greens or a simple salad to balance the richness. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the warmth and joy of the coast right to your table.
Recipe Card
Recipe Name: Crab Macaroni and Cheese
Description: Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our creamy and savory crab macaroni and cheese. This dish is a decadent twist on a classic favorite, featuring rich, velvety macaroni and cheese generously loaded with succulent jumbo lump crab meat. We’ve topped the flavours with a delightful crunch of buttery Old Bay Ritz crackers to elevate the flavours even further. Ideal for sharing, this crab macaroni and cheese is perfect for gatherings with friends and family, making every occasion deliciously memorable.
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Calories: 620 kcal
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese
- 1 pound of medium pasta, such as shells, rigatoni, or elbow noodles
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 2 ½ cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated gruyere cheese
- ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 16 ounces lump crab meat
Old Bay Topping
- 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
- In a large saucepan, gently melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour, stirring constantly, to form a smooth roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Gradually add milk and half-and-half, whisking constantly to thicken, about 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and slowly incorporate the cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan, saving ½ cup of the cheddar for topping. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Sample the sauce and refine the seasoning to taste.
- Combine the pasta, crab meat, and cheese sauce in a large baking dish (9×13 inch). Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top.
- Mix the crushed Ritz crackers, Old Bay seasoning, and melted butter for the topping. Sprinkle evenly over the crab macaroni and cheese.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute jumbo lump crab with imitation or freshly steamed crab for a more budget-friendly option.
- This crab macaroni and cheese recipe is ideal for gatherings, holidays, or special family dinners due to its rich, indulgent flavors.
- For a complete meal, serve as a main dish with a house salad or roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce to add a bit of spice.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for future enjoyment for as long as 2 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavors: Combining sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan with delicate crab makes this crab macaroni and cheese irresistible.
- Texture Heaven: From creamy sauce to tender crab and crunchy Ritz topping, each bite offers a satisfying blend of textures.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: This recipe elevates classic mac and cheese, making it ideal for gatherings, holidays, or whenever you need a little indulgence.
- Customizable: Options to use imitation crab, substitute cheeses, or add spices make this dish adaptable to your preferences.
- Easy to Make: With step-by-step instructions, this seemingly gourmet dish is achievable for all levels of home cooks.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Jumbo Lump Crab Meat: Fresh, jumbo lump crab meat brings the best flavor, but for a more affordable option, substitute with imitation crab or fresh steamed crab.
- Cheese Trio: A mix of sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan provides a complex, melty, and creamy texture. Feel free to experiment with fontina or gouda if you want to change up the flavor.
- Ritz Crackers and Old Bay Seasoning: Crushed Ritz crackers with Old Bay add crunch and a burst of savory flavor that’s iconic to seafood dishes. Substitute with panko breadcrumbs for a lighter crunch if desired.
How to Make Crab Macaroni and Cheese (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta until an al dente. Drain and set aside. Aim for al dente texture since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for a few minutes until the flour’s raw flavor dissipates Gradually add milk and half-and-half, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens to a smooth, velvety texture.
Step 3: Add Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and add grated cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheeses, stirring in handfuls to prevent clumping. This gradual melting ensures a silky, lump-free cheese sauce.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta and Crab
Transfer the cooked pasta into a spacious baking dish. Gently fold the lump crab meat, pour the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture, and stir to coat evenly. Sprinkle any reserved cheese on top.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
Mix crushed Ritz crackers with Old Bay seasoning and melted butter until well combined in a bowl. Sprinkle this topping over the crab macaroni and cheese for a flavorful crunch.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip the Roux: A properly cooked roux forms the foundation of any delicious cheese sauce. Thoroughly cooking the flour and butter ensures your sauce won’t taste floury.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, making your cheese sauce grainy. For the smoothest crab macaroni and cheese, grate fresh cheese yourself.
- Slowly Add Milk: Gradually incorporating the milk and half-and-half while continuously whisking helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Fold the crab Gently: Jumbo lump crab is delicate and can easily break apart, so carefully fold it into the pasta mixture to maintain large chunks in your crab macaroni and cheese.
Variations and Customizations
- Dietary Modifications: To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for some heat.
- Different Toppings: Swap Ritz crackers for panko breadcrumbs or add a sprinkle of herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh touch.
- Alternative Cheeses: To change the flavor profile, experiment with different cheeses, such as gouda or fontina.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storing Leftovers: Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish, but it may affect the creamy texture of the cheese sauce. To freeze, wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the topping from browning too much. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until hot.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this decadent crab macaroni and cheese with a crisp green salad, such as a house salad or Caesar, to add a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus make excellent side dishes, balancing out the richness with a bit of crunch and brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use imitation crab meat instead of jumbo lump Imitation?
Imitation or fresh steamed crab can be used as more budget-friendly options.
Which type of cheese is ideal for this recipe?
A mix of sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan brings a creamy, rich texture with complex flavors. You can also try other cheeses like fontina or gouda for variety.
How can I keep the topping crunchy?
Cover the crab macaroni and cheese loosely with foil during reheating to keep the cracker topping from getting too soft.
Related Recipes
If you’re a fan of seafood or comfort dishes, you might also enjoy these recipes:
- Lobster Mac and Cheese: A creamy blend of rich cheeses and tender pieces of lobster, baked to perfection with a crispy topping.
- Shrimp Scampi Pasta: A delightful dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce tossed with al dente pasta and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
- Classic Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese: A creamy, cheesy comfort dish with a crispy, golden-brown topping, perfect for any occasion.
Conclusion
Crab macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort dish with a gourmet twist. This recipe blends the creamy goodness of classic mac and cheese with the delicate sweetness of jumbo lump crab, finished with a buttery Old Bay Ritz topping that’s impossible to resist. Perfect for a special dinner, holiday, or simply as a treat, this dish is bound to impress.
Crab Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese
- 1 pound of medium pasta such as shells, rigatoni, or elbow noodles
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 2 ½ cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated gruyere cheese
- ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 16 ounces lump crab meat
Old Bay Topping
- 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
- In a large saucepan, gently melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour, stirring constantly, to form a smooth roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Gradually add milk and half-and-half, whisking constantly to thicken, about 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and slowly incorporate the cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan, saving ½ cup of the cheddar for topping. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Sample the sauce and refine the seasoning to taste.
- Combine the pasta, crab meat, and cheese sauce in a large baking dish (9×13 inch). Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top.
- Mix the crushed Ritz crackers, Old Bay seasoning, and melted butter for the topping. Sprinkle evenly over the crab macaroni and cheese.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute jumbo lump crab with imitation or freshly steamed crab for a more budget-friendly option.
- This crab macaroni and cheese recipe is ideal for gatherings, holidays, or special family dinners due to its rich, indulgent flavors.
- For a complete meal, serve as a main dish with a house salad or roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce to add a bit of spice.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for future enjoyment for as long as 2 months.