Creamy Baked Crab Mac And Cheese Recipe
Take your mac and cheese to the next level with this indulgent Crab Mac and Cheese recipe. Rich, creamy, and filled with the delicate flavor of real crab meat, this dish is a delicious twist on a comfort food classic. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering, this recipe adds a touch of elegance without the fuss. With layers of gooey cheese, perfectly cooked pasta, and sweet crab, every bite is loaded with flavor. Finished with a golden, crunchy topping, this baked crab mac and cheese is the ultimate fusion of decadence and simplicity.
Ingredients Of Crab Mac And Cheese Recipe
Why You Will Love This Crab Mac And Cheese Recipe
This Crab Mac and Cheese combines comfort food with seafood elegance. It’s rich, cheesy, and filled with tender crab in every bite. The Old Bay seasoning gives it that signature seafood flavor, while the creamy cheese sauce brings warmth and satisfaction. Topped with crispy golden breadcrumbs, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this recipe delivers on both taste and texture. Plus, it’s easy to make and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for entertaining or meal prep.
Preparation Process Of Crab Mac And Cheese Recipe
Begin by boiling the pasta until al dente. In a saucepan, create a rich cheese sauce by making a roux with butter and flour, then adding milk, cream, and a mix of cheeses. Season the sauce with Dijon mustard, Old Bay, and pepper for depth. Fold in the crab meat and cooked pasta. Transfer to a baking dish, top with buttery breadcrumbs and Parmesan, and bake until bubbling and golden brown. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Step By Step Instructions
Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes.
Add liquids: Slowly whisk in 2 cups of whole milk and ½ cup of heavy cream. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
Add seasonings and cheeses: Stir in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, ¼ teaspoon paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Lower the heat and stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar, 1 cup Monterey Jack, and ½ cup Parmesan until smooth.
Add crab and pasta: Gently fold in 1½ cups lump crab meat and the drained pasta. Mix until evenly coated.
Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
Make the topping: Combine 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Spread over the mac and cheese.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
Garnish and serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
How to Serve?
- Serve hot as a main dish
- Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies
- Offer as a seafood side dish with steak or grilled chicken
- Serve in ramekins for individual portions
- Top with hot sauce or lemon zest for extra flavor
Tips & Variations
Use lump crab for best texture, but claw meat works too.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
Mix in a handful of spinach or roasted red peppers for color.
Swap cheeses to include Gouda, Havarti, or Fontina.
Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make it gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Calories: 610
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Calcium: 380mg
Recipe Card
Creamy Baked Crab Mac And Cheese Recipe
Course: Mac And Cheese Recipe6
servings15
minutes25
minutes610
kcalThis Crab Mac and Cheese recipe is a creamy, flavorful, and luxurious dish featuring sweet lump crab meat and a rich cheese sauce made with cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan. Topped with buttery breadcrumbs and baked to perfection, it’s an elevated take on classic mac and cheese that’s ideal for special dinners or indulgent weeknight meals. With the bold flavor of Old Bay seasoning and a creamy texture in every bite, this dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and coastal cuisine. Serve it hot and watch it disappear—it’s that good.
Ingredients
Elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
Lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
Butter
All-purpose flour
Whole milk
Heavy cream
Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Dijon mustard
Old Bay seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika
Panko breadcrumbs
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Boil the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat the oven:
- Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the roux:
- In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes.
- Add liquids:
- Slowly whisk in 2 cups of whole milk and ½ cup of heavy cream. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add seasonings and cheeses:
- Stir in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, ¼ teaspoon paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Lower the heat and stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar, 1 cup Monterey Jack, and ½ cup Parmesan until smooth.
- Add crab and pasta:
- Gently fold in 1½ cups lump crab meat and the drained pasta. Mix until evenly coated.
- Transfer to baking dish:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
- Make the topping:
- Combine 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Spread over the mac and cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
- Garnish and serve:
- Let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For best results, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded.
- Avoid overmixing the crab to keep the lumps intact.
- You can make it ahead—assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Great with a drizzle of truffle oil or a side of garlic bread.
FAQs
Conclusion
This Crab Mac and Cheese recipe brings comfort food to gourmet levels. With its creamy, cheesy base and tender pieces of crab, it’s both indulgent and satisfying. Perfect for holidays, seafood nights, or cozy dinners, this dish is bound to impress everyone at the table. It’s easy to prepare, yet rich in flavor and texture. Whether served as a main or a side, this recipe is a winner for anyone who loves seafood and cheese. Try it once, and it’ll become a regular favorite in your rotation.
