Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our versatile mac and cheese casserole, a dish that seamlessly blends comfort and creativity. Featuring imitation crab as its star ingredient, this casserole offers a unique twist on a classic favorite.
Explore a collection of three tantalizing variations: the classic mac and cheese casserole with imitation crab, a zesty fiesta mac and cheese casserole, and a decadent seafood mac and cheese casserole. Each recipe promises a unique flavor profile, catering to diverse palates and preferences.
The classic mac and cheese casserole with imitation crab remains true to the traditional flavors, combining creamy cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and succulent imitation crab. The fiesta mac and cheese casserole adds a vibrant twist with diced tomatoes, green chiles, and a blend of Mexican spices, injecting a delightful south-of-the-border flair. And for seafood enthusiasts, the seafood mac and cheese casserole incorporates succulent shrimp, flaky salmon, and tender calamari, creating a luxurious and flavorful seafood medley.
With step-by-step instructions and a detailed ingredient list for each recipe, you'll be guided effortlessly through the cooking process, ensuring a flawless culinary experience. Join us on this gastronomic adventure as we explore the delectable depths of mac and cheese casseroles with imitation crab, relishing each bite of these cheesy, flavorful, and satisfying creations.
CRAB MACARONI CASSEROLE
Cold winter evenings are much more tolerable with this comforting casserole. Whole wheat macaroni boosts nutrition, while the melted cheese topping makes it rich and so satisfying. We like it best with a veggie side. -Jason Egner, Edgerton, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 45m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute onion in butter until tender. Combine flour and milk until smooth; stir into pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Drain macaroni. Add the crabmeat, sour cream, Swiss cheese, salt, mustard, macaroni and 1/4 cup cheddar cheese to the skillet., Transfer to an 11x7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 380 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 86mg cholesterol, Sodium 619mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
CRAB AND WHITE CHEDDAR MAC AND CHEESE
Make a casual dish fancy with Crab and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese! Use imitation crabmeat or cooked, cleaned shrimp in your white cheddar mac and cheese.
Provided by My Food and Family
Categories Recipes
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Prepare Macaroni and Cheese in large saucepan as directed on package.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in small skillet on medium heat. Add bread crumbs; cook 3 to 5 min. or until golden brown, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
- Add crabmeat and onions to Macaroni and Cheese; mix well. Cook on low heat 3 to 5 min. or until heated through, stirring frequently. Sprinkle with bread crumbs.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 370, Fat 12 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 35 mg, Sodium 1150 mg, Carbohydrate 48 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 4 g, Protein 18 g
CHESAPEAKE BAY "CRABBY" MAC
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 1h10m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- For the sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add minced shallots and saute for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the flour to make a roux. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes to cook the flour. Slowly, add 3 cups milk. When milk is incorporated into the roux, add the seafood seasoning, and the block of cream cheese. Cook until cream cheese is melted. Add shredded Manchego and Cheddar cheeses and parsley. Cook until all the cheese is melted. Add the sherry, if desired.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions or until just al dente. Drain macaroni. Stir cheese mixture into cooked macaroni and old in crabmeat. (Be sure to fold in crabmeat so you don't break up the lumps too much, you want nice chunks of crab.) Put mixture in a baking dish.
- For the topping:
- Mix melted butter, bread crumbs, seafood seasoning, and parsley. Sprinkle topping on the dish. Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes to make the topping crispy. Garnish with fresh parsley.
CRAB MACARONI AND CHEESE
Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli
Time 45m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
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 CAKE MAC N CHEESE
Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network
Time 1h10m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 24
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.
IMITATION CRAB CASSEROLE WITH CHEESE
This recipe is easy and quick to make, and offers a good taste of the ocean. It is inexpensive to make if using imitation crabmeat.
Provided by John
Time 55m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat; stir in onions and celery. Cook and stir until vegetables have softened and are beginning to turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add crab, condensed soup, water, parsley, seafood seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and pepper; mix to combine. Heat until almost bubbling, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and blend in Cheddar cheese until melted. Transfer to a 9-inch square casserole dish.
- Mix bread crumbs and melted butter in a small bowl with a fork until combined. Spread over the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned and bubbly, 20 to 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 352.1 calories, Carbohydrate 29.9 g, Cholesterol 60.9 mg, Fat 19.9 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 13.9 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Sodium 1459.1 mg, Sugar 7.4 g
Tips:
- Cook the pasta al dente: This means cooking it until it is just tender but still has a slight bite to it. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when it is baked in the casserole.
- Use a good quality imitation crab: This will make a big difference in the flavor of the casserole. Look for imitation crab that is made with real crab meat and has a delicate flavor.
- Don't overcook the crab: Crab cooks very quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. Otherwise, it will become tough and rubbery.
- Use a variety of cheeses: This will give the casserole a more complex and flavorful taste. A good combination of cheeses to use is cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Season the casserole well: Don't be afraid to add salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. This will help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Top the casserole with breadcrumbs: This will give the casserole a crispy and golden brown topping.
- Let the casserole rest before serving: This will allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set.
Conclusion:
Mac and cheese casserole with imitation crab is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to use up leftover macaroni and cheese, and it is also a budget-friendly meal. This casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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