Crab Mac and Cheese Recipe

Name: Crab Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: ½ pound penne pasta; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 4 cups milk; 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay®, or to taste; 3 cups shredded sharp white Cheddar, shredded cheese; 1 (5.2 ounce) package gournay cheese, such as Boursin® Garlic & Fine Herbs, broken into chunks; Salt to taste; hot sauce to taste; 2 ounces lump crab meat

Cook Time: 15 minutes

This creamy and flavorful Crab and Cheddar Penne is a delightful dish that's easy to prepare and sure to impress. The combination of sharp Cheddar cheese, rich crab meat, and a smooth, buttery sauce creates a comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1/2 pound penne pasta
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
1 teaspoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay, or to taste)
3 cups shredded sharp white Cheddar cheese
1 (5.2 ounce) package Garlic & Herbs Soft Spreadable Cheese (such as Boursin), broken into chunks
Salt, to taste
1 dash hot sauce, or to taste
2 ounces lump crab meat

Directions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 12 minutes until tender yet firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and set aside, keeping it warm.
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir for 3-4 minutes until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
Once the milk has reached a boil, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the seafood seasoning, shredded Cheddar cheese, and the chunks of Boursin cheese. Whisk until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the sauce with salt and a dash of hot sauce to taste.
Gently stir in the drained pasta, making sure the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Finally, fold in the lump crab meat, ensuring its evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Serve the creamy Crab and Cheddar Penne warm, and enjoy this rich and comforting meal!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Information	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	738	---
Total Fat	45g	58%
Saturated Fat	26g	131%
Cholesterol	147mg	49%
Sodium	1056mg	46%
Total Carbohydrate	48g	17%
Dietary Fiber	2g	7%
Total Sugars	14g	---
Protein	37g	74%
Vitamin C	12mg	13%
Calcium	1005mg	77%
Iron	2mg	12%
Potassium	663mg	14%

Note: Percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. If you're following a medically restrictive diet, consult your doctor or dietitian before preparing this recipe.

The Story and Charm of Crab Mac and Cheese

Crab Mac and Cheese is a luxurious twist on the classic comfort food, macaroni and cheese, with the addition of fresh crab meat. While traditional mac and cheese dates back to 18th-century Europe, its American incarnation became iconic in the Southern United States. The inclusion of crab reflects a more modern culinary evolution, particularly in coastal regions where seafood is abundant. This dish combines the creamy, cheesy richness of mac and cheese with the delicate sweetness of crab, transforming a humble family favorite into an indulgent seafood delight.

Regional Variations

The recipe has strong ties to the Mid-Atlantic and Southern U.S., especially states like Maryland, Virginia, and Louisiana. In Maryland, blue crab is often the star, while in Louisiana, spices like Cajun seasoning may be added for a bolder flavor. Each region adds its own twist: some incorporate a baked breadcrumb topping, others fold in local cheeses or herbs. The flexibility of the recipe allows it to reflect the local seafood bounty, making it a unique expression of regional cuisine.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While traditional macaroni and cheese focuses solely on pasta and cheese, Crab Mac and Cheese stands out for the combination of seafood and creamy sauce. Unlike lobster mac and cheese, which leans toward a sweeter, more decadent flavor, crab provides a subtler, briny taste that complements the cheese without overwhelming it. This dish is also different from seafood casseroles, which often contain multiple types of seafood and vegetables; Crab Mac and Cheese keeps the focus on the harmony between pasta, cheese, and crab meat.

Typical Serving Occasions

Crab Mac and Cheese is commonly served at both casual and upscale gatherings. It appears on Southern comfort food menus, at seafood festivals, and even in gourmet restaurants offering modern takes on classic dishes. It is perfect for holiday dinners, weekend family meals, or as a decadent side dish at a seafood boil. Its versatility makes it suitable for both everyday indulgence and celebratory occasions.

Interesting Facts

Crab Mac and Cheese gained popularity in American coastal cuisine in the late 20th century as chefs experimented with seafood in traditional comfort foods.
The dish often uses Old Bay seasoning, a classic spice blend from Maryland, enhancing the crabs natural flavor.
While the pasta used is often elbow macaroni, chefs sometimes use penne or cavatappi to better hold the creamy sauce and crab chunks.
Despite its rich ingredients, Crab Mac and Cheese is surprisingly quick to prepare on the stovetop, making it accessible for home cooks.
The dish is a favorite for creative variations, including additions of garlic, herbs, or even a light breadcrumb topping for added texture.

FAQ about Crab Mac and Cheese Recipe

Leftover Crab Mac and Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let it cool down before sealing and storing it.

Yes, you can freeze Crab Mac and Cheese. After it has cooled, place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

To make Crab Mac and Cheese spicier, you can add extra hot sauce or chili flakes to the sauce mixture. Adjust the level of heat to your preference during the cooking process.

Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese. While sharp white Cheddar and Boursin cheese are recommended for their flavor and creaminess, you can substitute with Gouda, Gruyère, or mozzarella for a different taste and texture.

Lump crab meat is the best choice for Crab Mac and Cheese, as it provides tender, sweet pieces of crab. You can also use claw meat if lump is unavailable, but lump gives a more premium texture and flavor.

If you prefer not to use seafood seasoning like Old Bay, you can substitute with a mixture of salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika, or create your own blend of herbs and spices that complement seafood.

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta in place of penne pasta. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the gluten-free pasta package, as cooking times may vary.

Yes, you can prepare Crab Mac and Cheese ahead of time. Cook and assemble the dish, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the crab meat and replacing it with another protein, like sautéed mushrooms, or using a plant-based crab substitute.

If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more milk, a splash at a time. If it's too thin, you can thicken it by cooking it longer or adding a bit more cheese to the mixture.