Best 3 Crab Macaroni Cheese Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our irresistible Crab Macaroni and Cheese, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This delectable dish seamlessly blends the richness of crab with the comforting warmth of macaroni and cheese, resulting in a harmonious balance of textures and flavors.

As you embark on this culinary adventure, you'll discover a treasure trove of delectable recipes that cater to diverse preferences. From the classic Crab Macaroni and Cheese, featuring a creamy cheddar sauce and succulent crab meat, to the innovative Crab and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese, which harmonizes the sweetness of shrimp with the briny notes of crab, each recipe promises a unique gustatory experience.

For those with a penchant for bold flavors, the Spicy Crab Macaroni and Cheese, infused with a fiery blend of spices, ignites the palate with a delightful heat. Alternatively, the indulgent Lobster and Crab Macaroni and Cheese elevates the dish to new heights of luxury, combining the luxuriousness of lobster with the delicate sweetness of crab.

Vegetarians and seafood enthusiasts alike will delight in the delectable Crabless Macaroni and Cheese, a plant-based rendition that captures the essence of the classic dish without compromising on flavor. And for a touch of coastal charm, the Crab Macaroni and Cheese with Old Bay Seasoning pays homage to the Chesapeake Bay region, infusing the dish with a distinctive savory-sweet flavor profile.

No matter your culinary preferences, our curated selection of Crab Macaroni and Cheese recipes guarantees an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Prepare to embark on a journey of taste and savor the exquisite flavors that await.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

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 MACARONI & CHEESE



Crab Macaroni & Cheese image

Crab and mushrooms put a deliciously different spin on classic macaroni and cheese. It's an upscale casserole for special occasions...but my family could eat it every day!-Angela Ochoa, Lake Elsinore, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
6 baby portobello mushrooms
2 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon plus 1/4 cup butter, divided
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2-1/2 cups half-and-half cream
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1-1/2 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese, divided
TOPPING:
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon dried basil
1-1/2 pounds cooked snow crab legs, meat removed
4 thin slices Swiss cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute mushrooms and onions in 1 tablespoon butter until tender; set aside., In a large saucepan, melt remaining butter. Stir in flour, mustard, pepper, salt and paprika until smooth; gradually add cream. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in 3/4 cup each mozzarella and cheddar cheeses until blended. Remove from heat; fold in macaroni., Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs, butter and basil. Transfer half the macaroni mixture to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Layer with reserved mushroom mixture, remaining macaroni mixture, mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Top with crab and Swiss cheese. Sprinkle with crumb mixture and Parmesan cheese., Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 535 calories, Fat 29g fat (18g saturated fat), Cholesterol 118mg cholesterol, Sodium 534mg sodium, Carbohydrate 42g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

CRAB BISQUE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Crab Bisque Macaroni and Cheese image

I found this on the Wisconsin Dairy Board. I'm on a low carb diet so this is a no-no for now. I know just what I'm having when I go on my next planned "cheat." Someone make this quick so I can live vicariously through your review!

Provided by yooper

Categories     Crab

Time 40m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta, cooked,drained
4 tablespoons butter, divided
1 medium onion, chopped
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can chicken broth
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, minced or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded,divided (8 ounces)
2 cups monterey jack cheese, shredded,divided (8 ounces)
1 (16 ounce) can lump crabmeat, drained
1/4 cup sherry wine

Steps:

  • Preheat broiler.
  • In a large saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter, until sizzling.
  • Add onion, saute over medium heat 3 minutes or until tender.
  • Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter.
  • When butter is sizzling, whisk in flour.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, 12 minutes or until mixture is golden brown.
  • Over medium heat, gradually whisk milk and chicken broth into flour-butter mixture, cook, stirring occasionally for 8-10 minutes or until mixture is thick and smooth.
  • Stir in tomatoes, rosemary, salt and pepper.
  • Reduce heat and add 1 cup each of the Monterey jack and cheddar cheese.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally for 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
  • Stir in crabmeat and sherry.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Place drained, cooked pasta in a 3-quart baking dish; pour cheese mixture over pasta and mix well.
  • Sprinkle with mixture of remaining Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
  • Broil about 5 inches from heat for 5-8 minutes or until cheese is bubbling.
  • Cool slightly before serving.

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, you can use canned or frozen crab meat, but be sure to drain it well before using it.
  • Use a good quality cheese. The type of cheese you use will make a big difference in the flavor of your crab macaroni and cheese. Use a cheese that melts well and has a sharp flavor, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente. Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian. It refers to the texture of pasta that is cooked through but still has a slight bite to it. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions, but be sure to remove it from the heat a minute or two before it is fully cooked. This will prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Make a roux. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken sauces. It is also used to add flavor and richness to dishes. To make a roux, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, or until it is golden brown.
  • Use milk or cream. Milk or cream is used to make the cheese sauce. You can use whole milk, low-fat milk, or even heavy cream. The type of milk or cream you use will affect the richness and flavor of the cheese sauce.
  • Season the cheese sauce to taste. Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to the cheese sauce to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
  • Garnish the crab macaroni and cheese with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Conclusion:

Crab macaroni and cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. Whether you like your macaroni and cheese cheesy, creamy, or spicy, there is a recipe out there for you. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give crab macaroni and cheese a try. You won't be disappointed.

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