How to Make the Creamiest, Cheesiest Crab Mac and Cheese

Crab mac and cheese is a delicious, indulgent twist on the classic comfort food dish. Taking the time to make crab mac and cheese from scratch results in a creamy, cheesy pasta baked to perfection with sweet crab meat. Follow these simple steps to learn how to make the best crab mac and cheese you’ve ever tasted.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make crab mac and cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Elbow macaroni or other short pasta shape – I prefer cavatappi or elbows. You’ll need around 1 pound uncooked.
• Butter – You’ll need around 1/4 cup or 4 tablespoons for the sauce. Use unsalted butter.
• All-purpose flour – 1/4 cup is needed to thicken the sauce.
• Milk – 2 cups of whole milk make the creamiest sauce.
• Cheese – I use a mix of sharp cheddar, gruyere, parmesan, and mozzarella. You’ll need around 4 cups total grated.
• Lump crab meat – 1 pound of jumbo lump or special grade crab meat is best.
• Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers – For the crispy topping.
• Herbs like parsley to garnish.

Make the Cheese Sauce

The key to great crab mac and cheese is a smooth, creamy cheese sauce. Here’s how:

1. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add in a diced shallot or onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

2. Stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes stirring constantly.

3. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of warm milk. Continue cooking and whisking until sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes.

4. Turn heat to low and stir in grated cheeses a handful at a time, allowing each addition to fully melt before adding more I use a mix of cheddar, gruyere, mozzarella, and parmesan

5. Once all the cheese is melted and incorporated, season sauce to taste with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

The end result should be a smooth, thick, and creamy cheese sauce.

Cook the Pasta

While you make the sauce, you’ll also need to cook the pasta. Here’s how

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 1 pound of elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente.

• Drain cooked pasta well and return to the pot.

Combine and Bake

Now it’s time to assemble and bake the crab mac and cheese:

1. Add lump crab meat to the cooked elbow macaroni and gently stir to combine.

2. Pour the hot cheese sauce over the pasta and crab. Stir well until everything is evenly coated in sauce.

3. Transfer mac and cheese to a 3-quart baking dish or cast iron skillet. Top with panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or Parmesan cheese.

4. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbling.

5. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Baking the crab mac and cheese develops even more flavor and helps keep the pasta from drying out. The end result is a rich, decadent casserole with tender pasta and sweet crab in creamy cheese sauce.

Extra Flavor Boosts

There are lots of ways to customize crab mac and cheese:

• Use a cheese mix – A blend of cheddar, gruyere, parmesan, and mozzarella gives the best texture and flavor.

• Stir in vegetables – onions, garlic, broccoli, spinach all add flavor.

• Add herbs and spices – Dry mustard, cayenne, nutmeg, and parsley complement the cheese.

• Top with breadcrumbs – Panko, crushed crackers, or parmesan make a crispy topping.

• Swap in different pasta – Try cavatappi, gemelli, rigatoni, or campanelle instead of elbows.

• Make it spicy – Stir in hot sauce or cajun seasoning to kick up the heat.

Cooking Tips

Follow these tips for perfect crab mac and cheese every time:

• Make a smooth roux – Cook the butter and flour thoroughly before adding milk.

• Add milk slowly – This prevents lumps in the cheese sauce.

• Grate cheese fresh – Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly.

• Stir often – This prevents the cheese sauce from separating or scorching.

• Use top quality crab – Jumbo lump or special grade crab meat is worth the splurge.

• Prevent drying out – Cover with foil if baking longer than 25 minutes.

• Let rest before serving – This helps thicken up the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Crab mac and cheese makes a decadent meal on its own. But you can also serve it with:

• Garlic bread or biscuits
• Steamed broccoli or asparagus
• Crisp green salad
• Roasted brussels sprouts
• Tomato bisque

For a lighter meal, try half portions served in cute ramekins. Crab mac and cheese also makes fantastic party food for potlucks and gatherings.

Storing and Freezing

Crab mac and cheese will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To freeze, undercook the pasta by 2 minutes before combining with sauce. Let cool completely before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Common Questions

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole then refrigerate for several hours or overnight before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked dish up to 3 months.

Can I use canned crab?

I don’t recommend it – canned crab is much more watery. Use fresh or pasteurized lump crab meat.

What kind of macaroni is best?

Short pasta shapes like elbows, shells, campanelle, or cavatappi hold the creamy sauce nicely. Avoid long noodles.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Stir frequently while making the roux and adding milk. Grate cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded.

What cheese should I use?

I prefer a mix of equal parts cheddar, gruyere, parmesan, and mozzarella. But you can customize the blend!

Can I use breadcrumbs instead of crackers?

Yes! Panko, Italian breadcrumbs, or homemade crumbs all work well.

Can I add lobster or shrimp too?

Absolutely! Crab mac and cheese handles seafood additions very nicely.

The Creamiest Crab Mac and Cheese

Making crab mac and cheese from scratch may take a bit more effort than the boxed stuff, but it pays off in creamy, cheesy flavor. For the very best results, take your time with each step. Properly cooked roux, al dente pasta, and real cheeses make all the difference. Topped with crunchy crackers or breadcrumbs, this crab mac and cheese is impressive enough for any occasion. Get ready for your new favorite comfort food!