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Foolproof crab macaroni and cheese topped with golden panko and lump crab in a floral baking dish
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Foolproof Crab Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy baked crab macaroni and cheese with a cheddar-Gruyère sauce, lump crab folded in at the end, and a golden panko topping.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 520kcal

Ingredients

For the pasta:

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • Kosher salt, for the pasta water

For the crab:

  • 1 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

For the cheese sauce:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar, shredded
  • 8 oz Gruyère, shredded
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the topping:

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives, for garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni about 1 minute less than package directions for al dente, then drain.
  • While the pasta cooks, gently toss the lump crab meat with 1 teaspoon Old Bay and the lemon juice in a bowl. Set aside.
  • In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 90 seconds until pale golden and fragrant.
  • Slowly whisk in the warmed milk and cream. Continue whisking over medium heat until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low. Whisk in the cream cheese until melted, then add the cheddar and Gruyère in handfuls, whisking until smooth. Stir in the Dijon, garlic powder, remaining ½ teaspoon Old Bay, salt, and pepper.
  • Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the drained pasta, then gently fold in the seasoned crab meat using a spatula. Pour into a buttered 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Mix the panko, melted butter, and parmesan, then sprinkle evenly over the top. Bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes, until golden and bubbling at the edges.
  • Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped chives.

Notes

  • Buy pasteurized, refrigerated lump crab meat rather than canned shelf-stable crab — the texture difference is significant.
  • This dish can be assembled up to a day ahead through Step 6; add the panko topping just before baking and add 5 extra minutes to the bake time.
  • Not recommended for freezing after baking — the cream sauce can separate on thawing. If freezing, do so before baking.
  • For a spicier version, add ½ teaspoon cayenne to the sauce in Step 5.