Description
This creamy Crab Macaroni and Cheese combines tender lump crab meat with rich, cheesy pasta for a luxurious twist on a comfort food classic — perfect for seafood lovers and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni (uncooked)
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt (optional)
8 oz lump crab meat, drained and picked through
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth; cook until slightly thickened.
5. Add cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy.
6. Season with Old Bay, garlic powder, pepper, and salt if needed.
7. Fold in the cooked macaroni and crab meat gently until evenly coated.
8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
9. Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
10. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
11. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
Use fresh or canned crab meat depending on availability.
For extra flavor, mix in a bit of Dijon mustard or hot sauce with the cheese sauce.
Top with extra cheese for a gooey crust.
Pairs perfectly with a light green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Crab macaroni and cheese, seafood mac and cheese, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food, crab recipes