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Crab Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.2 from 12 reviews

This Crab Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy pasta with tender white crab meat for a decadent twist on a classic comfort food. Made with a rich cheese sauce and topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, this baked dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or entertaining guests.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 lb elbow pasta noodles

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and your favorite melting cheese), divided
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 6 oz white crab meat (drained)

Topping

  • 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a large baking or casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the mac and cheese.
  2. Cook the Pasta Until Just Tender: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, cook the elbow pasta according to package directions until al dente (tender but still firm). Drain well and return the pasta to the pot; set aside.
  3. Melt the Butter: In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the butter completely without browning it, creating a smooth base for the cheese sauce.
  4. Cook the Flour and Add the Milk: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to form a smooth sauce without lumps.
  5. Thicken the Sauce: Continue cooking the milk mixture over medium heat about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon lightly.
  6. Add the Cheese, Crab, and Seasonings: Stir in 1 cup of grated cheese until melted and smooth. Add salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and drained white crab meat, gently folding the crab to keep pieces intact.
  7. Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Pour the crab cheese sauce over the cooked pasta in the pot. Stir gently to coat all noodles evenly and distribute the crab throughout.
  8. Assemble the Crab Mac and Cheese: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups grated cheese over the top, then scatter panko bread crumbs evenly across the surface.
  9. Bake Until Hot and Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, edges are bubbling, and the bread crumbs turn a light golden brown. Let rest a few minutes before serving to allow sauce to set.

Notes

  • Stop cooking the pasta slightly before fully tender to avoid overcooking when baking.
  • Using a mix of cheeses with good melting properties, like Monterey Jack or Gruyere combined with cheddar, can enhance flavor and texture.
  • Be gentle when folding in crab meat to keep chunks intact for better texture and presentation.
  • Allow the baked dish to rest before serving to help the sauce thicken and reduce running.
  • For a crispier topping, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/crab-mac-and-cheese-recipe/