Description
This Creamy Crab Mac and Cheese is a luxurious twist on the classic comfort food. Tender pasta is coated in a rich, cheesy sauce with a hint of Old Bay seasoning, then mixed with succulent crab meat for a seafood lover’s dream. Perfect for a cozy dinner, a special occasion, or a fancy side dish, this dish is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Monterey Jack)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
For the Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
- ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly to make a roux.
- Gradually add milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth and thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
- Stir in Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add the Cheese:
- Lower the heat and slowly add the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese.
- Stir until melted and smooth.
Combine the Pasta and Crab:
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Gently fold in the crab meat to avoid breaking up the lumps.
Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Old Bay seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
Bake (Optional for a Crispy Top):
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–6 servings
- Calories: ~500
- Fat: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Protein: ~25g