Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist—Luxurious Crab Mac and Cheese. This rich, creamy dish combines sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses with tender lump crab meat, finished with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for special occasions or an elevated cozy night in.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or shells
- Butter: 4 tbsp
- All-purpose flour: 3 tbsp
- Whole milk: 2 cups
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Gruyère cheese: 1 ½ cups, shredded
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated
- Dijon mustard: 1 tbsp
- Old Bay seasoning: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: ½ tsp
- Onion powder: ½ tsp
- Fresh lump crab meat: 1 lb
- Bread crumbs (panko recommended): 1 cup
- Olive oil or melted butter: 2 tbsp
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Lemon zest (optional): 1 tsp
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Make the Roux: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly until golden.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Cook until slightly thickened.
- Add Seasonings and Cheese: Stir in Dijon mustard, Old Bay, garlic powder, and onion powder. Reduce heat and slowly add cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted.
- Incorporate the Crab: Gently fold in lump crab meat, being careful not to break it apart.
- Combine with Pasta: Add cooked pasta, stirring gently to coat.
- Prepare the Topping: Mix bread crumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Optionally, add grated Parmesan and lemon zest for extra flavor.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish and sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Let rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- Extra Seafood: Include shrimp, scallops, or lobster.
- Gluten-Free: Use GF pasta and substitute flour with GF alternative.
- Healthier Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half; use whole wheat pasta.
- Truffle Infusion: Drizzle truffle oil before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: main dish, side dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crab mac and cheese, gourmet mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, seafood mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese