Background and History
Crab Mac and Cheese is a decadent fusion of creamy macaroni and cheese with the delightful addition of succulent crab meat. Originating as a coastal twist on the classic comfort food, this dish beautifully combines the richness of cheese with the sweetness of crab, creating a luxurious and flavorful experience.
Ingredients
Elbow Macaroni
8 ounces, cooked al dente.
Lump Crab Meat
1 pound, fresh or canned.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
2 cups, shredded.
Gruyere Cheese
1 cup, shredded.
Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 cup, shredded.
Whole Milk
2 cups.
Unsalted Butter
1/4 cup.
All-Purpose Flour
1/4 cup.
Dijon Mustard
1 tablespoon.
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon.
Salt and Black Pepper
To taste.
Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup, for topping.
Fresh Parsley
Chopped, for garnish.
Serves
6-8
Time
Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Total Time
Approximately 45 minutes
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Macaroni
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add milk while whisking constantly.
Stir in Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Add shredded cheddar, Gruyere, and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Combine with Crab and Macaroni
Fold in the lump crab meat and cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well combined.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the crab and macaroni mixture into a greased baking dish.
Top with Breadcrumbs
Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crunchy crust.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
(Values may vary based on specific ingredients and variations)
Calories: ~400 per serving
Protein: ~20g
Fat: ~15g
Carbohydrates: ~40g
Notes
Experiment with different cheese combinations for varied flavors.
Fresh crab meat provides the best flavor, but canned crab works well too.
Customize with additional seasonings like Old Bay for a seafood twist.
Allergy Warning
Be cautious of shellfish allergies, especially when using crab.
Check ingredient labels for potential allergens, especially in pre-packaged cheese.
Adjust the recipe to accommodate specific dietary restrictions or allergies.
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