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Crab Macaroni Cheese

Crab Macaroni Cheese: 5 Steps to Gourmet Comfort Food

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  • Author: Sadka
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Seafood

Description

Big pieces of juicy crab and tender pasta in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs. This homemade mac and cheese is an elevated dish for your holiday table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound small shells dry pasta
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 to 3 cloves garlic, finely pressed or minced
  • 1–2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound lump crab meat
  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups half-and-half
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 ounces shredded gruyere cheese
  • 8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/2–1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
  • Salt optional to taste
  • Pepper optional to taste
  • 1/4–1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese optional

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Preheat oven to 375F and prepare a baking dish with cooking spray.
  3. Add butter to a skillet over medium high heat to melt. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add Old Bay, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Add crab meat and stir to coat in the mixture. Heat for 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
  6. Add butter to another skillet over medium heat to melt.
  7. Add flour and whisk until lightly golden brown, about 60-90 seconds.
  8. Slowly add half-and-half and milk while whisking continuously. Cook until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
  9. Add cheeses and whisk until melted and smooth.
  10. Add cooked pasta to cheese sauce and stir well.
  11. Add crab mixture and combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  12. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
  13. Optionally, sprinkle additional cheese on top.
  14. Melt butter in a bowl, add breadcrumbs and Old Bay, and mix to coat.
  15. Optionally, add salt, pepper, and Parmesan to the breadcrumbs.
  16. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over mac and cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  17. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Allow to cool slightly and serve.

Notes

  • Make-ahead directions provided in the Notes section.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 758
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 51 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg

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Find it online: https://al3abfun.com/crab-macaroni-cheese/