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Decadent Crab Mac and Cheese
Indulge in this luxurious crab mac and cheese, where creamy, cheesy goodness meets succulent crab meat for a delightful twist on a beloved classic. This dish layers rich flavors, creamy textures, and a crunchy topping, making it perfect for special occasions or a comforting weeknight meal. The use of Gruyere and sharp cheddar creates a depth of flavor that beautifully complements the sweet, tender crab meat. Historically, mac and cheese has roots dating back to 18th century Italy, but this version embraces coastal flavors, celebrating the bounty of the sea.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni
- 8 ounces
- Unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup
- Milk
- 3 cups
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups, shredded
- Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup, shredded
- Crab meat
- 8 ounces, cooked and picked
- Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup
- Salt
- 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes until it turns a light golden color.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly, and cook for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheese until fully melted and smooth. Fold in the cooked crab meat and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your decadent dish!
Tips
- For an added kick, consider mixing in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- You can substitute the crab meat with shrimp or lobster for a different seafood experience.
- For a vegetarian option, replace crab with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 Dish Type: Main Course Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Calories: 550 Fat: 30g Carbs: 50g Protein: 25g Sodium: 800mg Sugar: 5g
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