Ultimate Crab Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the Ultimate Crab Mac and Cheese that's loaded with fresh crab, a rich layer of melted cheese, and topped with crunchy golden breadcrumbs. It's the perfect easy to make coastal bite for any occasion!
Servings 8 servings
Calories 750kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb macaroni noodles 16 oz
- 4 tb butter
- 6 tablespoon flour
- 2.5 cups milk (½ cup removed)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cheddar
- 2 cups gruyere
- 2 teaspoon Old Bay
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 cups fresh crab meat or lump crab
- 1 cup parmesan to top
- ⅔ cup salted breadcrumbs I used zaatar breadcrumbs
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until mixed through and smooth.
- Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk and the heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar, gruyere, Old Bay, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. If it feels too thick, whisk in the remaining ½ cup milk.
- Remove from heat and gently fold in the crab meat, keeping the chunks as whole as possible.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente. Drain, and mix with the sauce.
- Pour the crab mac and cheese into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with parmesan, then with breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden and bubbling around the edges, about 10-15 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 750kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 132mg | Sodium: 1410mg | Potassium: 429mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1234IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 840mg | Iron: 2mg