BAKED CRAB MACARONI & CHEESE
Mac & cheese is a classic comfort food. Now you can add a pleasant twist to this classic & look like a gourmet chef at home:)
You can’t go wrong with lump crab, cheese & pasta!
PREP TIME :25 mins
COOK TIME :35 mins
TOTAL TIME :1 hr
INGREDIENTS
- 1 16 oz box dry elbow noodles
- 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp old bay (seafood seasoning)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 oz cream cheese softened
- 5 cups whole milk
- 5 cups shredded Cheddar & Sharp cheese divided
TOPPING:
- 2 Tbsp butter melted
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp old bay
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dried.
INSTRUCTIONS
1_ Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2_ Spray a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. (Set aside.)
3_ Cook the pasta in salted water per the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
4_ Pick over the crab meat removing any shells. (Set aside.)
5_ In a medium-size heavy bottomed saucepan melt ½ cup butter over medium heat.
6_ Add flour, 1 ½ tsp seafood seasoning, salt and black pepper. Mix until the flour has been absorbed by the butter stirring constantly.
7_ Gradually whisk in the milk.
8_ Whisk constantly to prevent clumping & sticking to the bottom.
9_ Bring the milk to a boil then immediately lower the heat to low. Simmer for 3-5 minutes stirring moderately to prevent sticking & burning to the bottom.
10_ Turn off the heat.
11_ Add cream cheese to the sauce. Stir until melted then add 3 cups shredded Cheddar and Sharp cheese.
12_ Remove from heat, stirring until fully melted.
13_ Add the cooked pasta and crab meat to into a large mixing bowl.
14_ Pour the cheese sauce over and mix until fully coated and the crab meat is evenly mixed throughout.
15_ Pour ½ into the baking dish.
16_ Top with 1 cup shredded cheese. Repeat with macaroni then top with the final 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Topping:
1_ Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a small microwave safe bowl.
2_ Mix with the seasoned bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and ¼ tsp seafood seasoning.
3_ (Add more or less to suit your taste)
4_ Sprinkle on top.
5_ Place into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbly.
6_ Garnish with fresh chopped or dried parsley just before serving.
