Best 3 Crab Cake Mac N Cheese Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary symphony of flavors with Crab Cake Mac 'n' Cheese, an exquisite dish that elevates the classic comfort food to a new level of indulgence. Dive into a harmonious blend of tender, succulent crab cakes nestled amidst a velvety blanket of homemade macaroni and cheese, enveloped in a symphony of rich, creamy flavors. Discover the secrets behind creating perfectly crispy crab cakes that burst with the essence of the sea, complemented by a luscious mac 'n' cheese sauce that strikes a perfect balance between cheesy decadence and subtle hints of nutmeg and black pepper. This recipe promises an unforgettable dining experience, whether you're hosting a special occasion or seeking solace in a comforting meal. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with every bite of this irresistible Crab Cake Mac 'n' Cheese extravaganza.

**Additional Recipes Included:**

1. **Classic Macaroni and Cheese:** Experience the timeless charm of a traditional macaroni and cheese recipe, a beloved dish that brings back childhood memories. This recipe captures the essence of comfort food with its creamy, gooey cheese sauce, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a golden-brown crust.

2. **Seafood Macaroni and Cheese:** Embark on a culinary adventure with a seafood-inspired macaroni and cheese. This recipe combines the richness of crab, shrimp, and tender pieces of fish, enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce. Prepare to satisfy your cravings for a seafood feast with this delightful dish.

3. **Lobster Macaroni and Cheese:** Indulge in the ultimate luxury with a lobster macaroni and cheese recipe that promises an extraordinary dining experience. Succulent lobster meat, known for its delicate sweetness, takes center stage in this opulent dish, complemented by a creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked macaroni.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CRAB MACARONI AND CHEESE



Crab Macaroni and Cheese image

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Time 45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 tablespoons sea salt
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups chardonnay
3 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Pinch sea salt
3 cups grated Swiss cheese
1/2 cup grated sharp Cheddar
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce, such as Tabasco
1 pound lump crabmeat, picked of any shell bits
1 cup panko breadcrumbs, toasted
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup grated Swiss cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • For the pasta: In a large pot, bring 4 quarts water and the salt to a rolling boil. It should taste like seawater. Stir in the macaroni and cook but leave quite firm, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking liquid.
  • For the sauce: In a medium pot, reduce the wine over medium heat until the liquid measures about 1/2 cup, 5 to 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cream, mustard and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Swiss cheese, Cheddar, Parmesan, Worcestershire and hot sauce and warm until the cheese melts, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the macaroni to the cream mixture and stir gently to blend. Allow the macaroni to rest on the stove so the pasta absorbs the flavors, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer half of the macaroni to a 9-by-13-inch oven-proof baking dish, sprinkle with half of the crab in an even layer. Gently layer on the remaining macaroni, and then another layer of crab.
  • For the topping: In a medium bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley and Swiss cheese. Top the pasta with the breadcrumbs and bake until browned and hot, 15 to 20 minutes.

CRAB MAC 'N' CHEESE BAKE



Crab mac 'n' cheese bake image

A seafood twist on a family favourite that's packed with sustainable shellfish. Serve with a lemony rocket salad

Provided by Tim Bouget

Categories     Dinner, Main course, Pasta, Supper

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 13

100g butter , plus extra for greasing
500g macaroni
100g flour
1l milk
200g mature cheddar , grated
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp tomato ketchup
1 tsp cayenne pepper or Tabasco sauce
150g fresh, brown crabmeat
150g white crabmeat
100g crème fraîche
juice ½ lemon
½ small pack dill , finely chopped

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and grease a medium baking dish. Cook the macaroni following pack instructions.
  • Meanwhile, melt the butter in a thick-bottomed pan and add the flour to make a thick paste, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon. Add the milk, little by little, to the paste, mixing until smooth. Cook over a medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
  • Remove from the heat, add 150g cheese and whisk until smooth. Mix in the mustard, ketchup and cayenne. Drain the macaroni and return to the pan. Stir the cheese sauce into the cooked pasta, fold in the brown crabmeat and season.
  • Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 50g cheese on top and bake in the oven for 25-30 mins until heated through. Remove from the oven and stand for 10 mins.
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the crab topping with some seasoning. Serve a big spoonful on top of each portion of the bake, then scatter over the dressed rocket (see 'Goes well with'). If making ahead, cool completely and leave in the fridge overnight. The next day, cut into slabs and reheat (covered in foil) for 10 mins in the oven at 200C/180C fan/gas 6.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 623 calories, Fat 29 grams fat, SaturatedFat 17 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 61 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 8 grams sugar, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 28 grams protein, Sodium 1.4 milligram of sodium

CRAB CAKE MAC N CHEESE RECIPE - (4.6/5)



Crab Cake Mac N Cheese Recipe - (4.6/5) image

Provided by vealam

Number Of Ingredients 24

Salt
1 pound cavatappi or elbow pasta with lines on conchiglie (small fat tube/shell shaped pasta with lines)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 tablespoons butter
3 ribs celery with leafy tops, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 small red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons freshly chopped thyme leaves, several sprigs
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
Freshly ground black pepper
3/4 pound fresh lump crabmeat, picked for shells and flaked
1 tablespoon seafood seasoning (recommended: Old Bay)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk
Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/3 pound, about 1 rounded cup grated sharp white Cheddar
1/3 pound, about 1 rounded cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
3 tablespoons hot sauce (recommended: Frank's Red Hot)
1 cup panko bread crumbs
A generous handful flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, a couple of handfuls

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium heat, then salt the water. Add the pasta and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, (it will be undercooked). Cool, drain well and add it to a large bowl. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan, and 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium to medium-high heat. Add the celery, onion, red pepper, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, lemon zest, salt and pepper, to taste. Cook to tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the crabmeat to the vegetables and season liberally with seafood seasoning. Stir to combine, then remove from heat. In a medium sauce pot, over low heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter and whisk in the flour. Cook for 1 minute, then whisk in the milk and bring to a bubble. Season the sauce with salt, pepper and nutmeg, to taste, and cook for a few minutes, until the mixture coats the back of a spoon. Add the mustard and the cheese and stir in a figure 8 motion. Add the vegetables and crab, sauce to the bowl with the pasta and transfer the mixture to individual baking crocks or a large casserole dish. This can be made ahead to this point and refrigerated. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. To complete the dish, melt a couple of tablespoons butter in a small skillet, over low heat and add 3 tablespoons hot sauce. Warm through, then add the panko crumbs and toss to evenly coat the crumbs in sauce mixture. Cool the crumbs, then toss in the parsley and 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Top the mac n cheese with the spicy crumb mixture. Arrange individual crocks on a baking sheet or put the casserole on baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake until brown and heated through, about 10 minutes. If cooking from cold, the mac n cheese will take 40 to 45 minutes, but add the crumbs the last 10 minutes of baking.

Tips:

  • Use fresh crab meat. Fresh crab meat has a sweeter, more delicate flavor than canned or frozen crab meat. If you can't find fresh crab meat, use high-quality canned or frozen crab meat that has been well-drained.
  • Don't overcook the crab cakes. Crab cakes are best when they are cooked through but still moist and tender. Overcooked crab cakes will be tough and dry.
  • Use a large skillet or griddle to cook the crab cakes. This will help to ensure that the crab cakes cook evenly.
  • Serve the crab cakes immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Crab cakes are delicious served with tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or remoulade.
  • To make the mac and cheese, use a good quality cheese. A sharp cheddar cheese or a combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese will give the mac and cheese a rich, flavorful taste.
  • Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Be sure to drain the macaroni well before adding it to the cheese sauce.
  • Make the cheese sauce in a double boiler or in a saucepan over low heat. This will help to prevent the cheese sauce from curdling.
  • Stir the cheese sauce constantly until it is smooth and creamy. If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a little bit of milk or cream.
  • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until combined.
  • Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish and bake until golden brown and bubbly.
  • Serve the crab cake mac and cheese immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or chives.

Conclusion:

Crab cake mac and cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The crab cakes are tender and flavorful, and the mac and cheese is rich and creamy. This dish is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it!

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