If you’re craving a dish that combines the rich, comforting flavors of classic mac and cheese with the delicate sweetness of crab, this recipe is for you.
Inspired by Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen, this Crab Macaroni and Cheese brings a touch of elegance to a beloved comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Decadent Flavor: The combination of creamy cheese sauce and succulent crab meat creates a luxurious taste experience.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or a standout side dish for special occasions.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for entertaining.
Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday dinners.
Ingredient Highlights
Pasta: Cavatappi or twisted macaroni provides the perfect texture to hold the creamy sauce.
Crab Meat: Jumbo lump crab meat offers a sweet, delicate flavor that elevates the dish.
Cheese Blend: A mix of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses ensures a smooth, melty sauce.
Cream Cheese: Chive and onion cream cheese adds depth and a subtle tang.
Seasonings: Seafood seasoning, garlic salt, ground mustard, and black pepper enhance the overall flavor profile.
Topping: A crunchy blend of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and parsley adds texture and visual appeal.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Quality Crab: Use fresh or high-quality canned jumbo lump crab meat for the best flavor.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Colby Jack for a different taste.
Pasta Cooking: Cook pasta until just al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Serving Suggestions: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Make Creamy Crab Macaroni and Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Cook 16 oz of cavatappi pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt ½ cup unsalted butter over medium heat.
Whisk in ½ cup all-purpose flour, 1½ tsp seafood seasoning, ½ tsp garlic salt, ½ tsp ground mustard, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in 5 cups of whole milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
Step 3: Add Cheeses
Stir in 2 oz of softened chive and onion cream cheese until melted.
Add 3 cups of shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend, stirring until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Crab
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and 1 lb of jumbo lump crab meat.
Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
Layer half of the pasta mixture into the dish, sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese, add the remaining pasta mixture, and top with another cup of shredded cheese.
Step 6: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, and ¼ tsp seafood seasoning.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
Garnish with 1 tbsp of chopped fresh Italian parsley before serving.
What to Serve It With
Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the mac and cheese.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make excellent side dishes.
Garlic Bread: Adds a crunchy contrast and is perfect for sopping up any extra cheese sauce.
White Wine: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the seafood flavors.
Variations / Substitutions
Seafood Mix: Add shrimp or scallops for a more diverse seafood medley.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary needs.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheese combinations like Fontina, Asiago, or Pepper Jack.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave at 50% power to avoid drying out the crab meat.
Freezing: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the assembled (unbaked) dish for up to 1 month.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes, high-quality canned jumbo lump crab meat is a convenient and cost-effective option.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate.
Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking.
What if I don’t have chive and onion cream cheese?
You can substitute with regular cream cheese and add finely chopped chives and a bit of onion powder.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, elbow macaroni, penne, or shells work well in this recipe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
Is it necessary to bake the dish?
Baking melds the flavors and creates a delightful crust, but you can serve it stovetop-style if preferred.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Certainly. Peas, spinach, or roasted red peppers make great additions.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Crab Macaroni and Cheese is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, bringing together the richness of a cheesy pasta bake with the delicate flavors of crab.
It’s a versatile dish that’s sure to impress at any gathering or family dinner.
