Crab Mac and Cheese

One of the best things about mac and cheese is how creative you can get with it: It can be jazzed up with some chicken and ranch, or get the breakfast treatment with bacon and jalapeno.

And then there’s this crab mac and cheese, which pairs the savory delicacy that is crab with creamy, cheesy pasta. Cozy and hearty, it feels like something you would find at a coastal restaurant in the summer, but you can whip it up at home any time of the year—and add as much extra cheese as you want.

Crab Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni: This type of pasta is the go-to for mac and cheese because it’s shaped just right to get covered in the cheese sauce. The hollows also make it lighter, which balances out the creamy sauce. 
• Onion: When sauteed, onions become a little sweeter and provide a savory balance to the dish. They add more depth to the dairy-heavy flavors and help accentuate the crab’s flavor too. 
• Butter: Together, the flour and butter create a roux, which works as a thickening agent. 
• All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour is used because it has the right protein content to make the cheese sauce smooth.
• Milk: This is the base of your sauce, helping to make it creamy. 
• Lump crabmeat: Lump crab meat, which is high in protein, refers to the front of the body of the crab. It’s typically sturdier, so it works better in a recipe like this or crab cakes.
• Sour cream: Lending to the dish’s creaminess, the sour creams adds a slight tang that also helps highlight the sweetness from the crab. 
• Swiss cheese: Slightly nutty and milder than other cheeses, Swiss balances well with the crab without overpowering it, while helping the dish stay creamy.
• Ground mustard: Ground mustard adds a little zing here, cutting through the dish’s richness while deepening and elevating other flavors. 
• Cheddar cheese: Cheddar is always a welcome addition to mac and cheese, because it has a sharper flavor and melts well. 

Directions

Step 1: Cook the macaroni

Cook the macaroni according to the package directions.

Editor’s Tip: The pasta will be baked later, so cook it to al dente to prevent it from getting too soft.

Step 2: Prepare the sauce

While the macaroni is cooking, saute the onion in butter in a large skillet until tender. Combine the flour and milk until smooth, then stir them into the pan. Bring to a boil, then cook and stir until the mixture has thickened, one to two minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 3: Make the mac and cheese

Drain the macaroni well. Add the crabmeat, sour cream, Swiss cheese, salt, mustard, macaroni and 1/4 cup of the cheddar cheese to the skillet.

Editor’s Tip: Make sure the pasta is still hot when you add it to the crab-and-cheese mixture. 

Step 4: Bake the mac and cheese

Transfer everything to an 11×7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese. Bake the dish, uncovered, until heated through, 20 to 25 minutes.

Crab Mac and Cheese Variations

• Top it off: Mix breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers, like Ritz) with melted butter, then sprinkle the mixture on top of the mac and cheese before baking. 
• Garnish it: To add a little extra crunch and savory flavor, slice some fresh scallions and garnish the crab mac and cheese before serving. 

How to Store Crab Mac and Cheese

You can refrigerate your crab meat mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. We recommend reheating in the oven for the best results.

If you want to freeze this dish, we recommend preparing it through Step 3, wrapping it in plastic wrap and foil to protect it from freezer burn, then storing it in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat it, let the dish thaw, and once it reaches room temperature, you can bake it per the directions above.

Can you make crab mac and cheese ahead of time?

For sure. Prepare the dish up through Step 3 (stop before baking it). Store it in the fridge in an airtight container or covered with tinfoil for up to 24 hours. Then bake and get your appetite ready. 

Crab Mac and Cheese Tips

Can I use fresh crab?

If you have access to fresh steamed crab, you can definitely use it instead of the canned lump crab meat. 

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yep! While macaroni is well suited to ensuring each bite is loaded with cheese sauce, other small pastas—especially those with shapes that allow the cheese sauce to sneak in—are good. You could go for penne, rigatoni and farfalle, to name a few. 

What should I serve with crab mac and cheese?

This crab mac and cheese recipe works well as a main dish, paired with a green vegetable like roasted asparagus or baked broccolini. You could also serve it alongside a summer salad.