5 Best Crab Mac and Cheese Recipes

Are you looking to dress up your family’s favorite food? Just about everyone loves macaroni and cheese, but as you get older, the same old recipe doesn’t always cut it. We’ve found that adding seafood like crab, lobster, or shrimp helps prevents it from getting older. Here are the five best crab mac and cheese recipes that’ll help you feel like an adult while chowing down on your favorite comfort food. 

1. Baked Crab Mac n Cheese

Crab Mac and Cheese
Crab Mac and Cheese

Are you looking for a baked crab mac n cheese recipe that requires just one pot? Look no further! This yummy recipe incorporates ingredients like white wine vinegar, Old Bay seasoning, and crunchy breadcrumb topping, which helps to elevate its taste. 

You’ll start with butter, onion, garlic, white wine vinegar, and Old Bay seasoning in a large stockpot and cook until the onion is tender. Then, you’ll stir in uncooked pasta, milk, broth, water, and salt. You’ll allow all of these ingredients to simmer until your pasta is fully cooked. Next, you’ll add vinegar, cheese you’ve shredded yourself, and cooked crabmeat. The final step is to put it in a 9 x 13 pan and bake it for 10 minutes before serving. 

One of the keys to making this recipe successful is shredding your own cheese. Don’t cut corners by buying pre-shredded cheese! The anti-caking agent will leave your dish with a gritty texture.

Get the full recipe here.

2. Crab Cake Mac n Cheese

Crab Cake Mac N Cheese
Crab Cake Mac N Cheese

This crab cake mac n cheese recipe is brought to you courtesy of Rachael Ray. It’s fairly straightforward. You’ll start by cooking pasta noodles of your choice (either cavatappi or elbow are recommended). Next, you’ll create your cheesy sauce before adding in your crab meat to cook. 

Then, you’ll mix it all together before transferring it to a larger casserole dish. If you need to, you can save the recipe and refrigerate it at this point to be made in the future. When you’re ready, top it with a panko crumb mixture and stick in the oven at 375 degrees F to bake for 10 minutes. 

Get the full recipe at Food Network

3. Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese

Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese
Cajun Shrimp and Crab Mac and Cheese

This mac and cheese recipe is bursting with flavor in all the right ways. Depending on how much spice you like, you may want to adjust the Cayenne and Paprika amounts that you put in this dish. 

You’ll make the pasta as usual, and you can use any pasta noodle you wish. While your pasta is boiling, you’ll make your Cajun shrimp and add 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning to the shrimp (depending on your preference). Once the pasta is cooked, combine your shrimp, crab, and basil. Then, you’ll mix it with your cheese sauce which includes 4 different types of cheese (sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, Colby & Monterey Jack blend, and parmesan). 

Bake this recipe on a baking sheet and cover it with foil to avoid it browning too quickly. It’ll bake for about 45 to 55 minutes and then sit for at least 20 to 30 minutes to firm up (don’t be scared if it looks soupy at first!). 

Get the full recipe at Queenslee Appetit

4. Crab and Bacon Mac and Cheese

Crab and Bacon Mac and Cheese
Crab and Bacon Mac and Cheese

For some, mac and cheese aren’t complete without bacon. We love this recipe because it’s easy. In just four steps, you’ll have a delicious meal that everyone will love. You’ll start by browning bacon and onions in a large skillet and then adding your crab. Once it’s all heated through, remove it from the stove and set it aside. Next, cook your pasta and cheese sauce. Then, combine pasta, cheese sauce, and bacon and grab. Pour into a greased baking dish and top with Panko breadcrumbs and parmesan. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 25 minutes or until bubbly. 

Get the full recipe at Lemons for Lulu

5. Stovetop Crab Macaroni and Cheese

Stovetop Crab Macaroni and Cheese
Stovetop Crab Macaroni and Cheese

This stovetop recipe has a little bit of a different take. It’s the perfect item to bring to any potluck or barbecue you’re headed to this summer. Nothing is too unusual about this recipe until the very end. You’ll cook your pasta according to the directions, you’ll make your cheese sauce, and you’ll stir in your crab. The final step, however, is where you deviate. The instructions call for green onions and pita or bagel chips as a garnish. These add a fun crunch to the top that you wouldn’t otherwise get in the above recipes. Enjoy!


Get the full recipe at Farm Flavor.

Which crab mac and cheese recipe are you planning to try out first? Whether you want it for a special occasion or just to add to your existing recipe for your family, it’s a great way to spice up your menu. Be sure to check out some of our previously posted recipes for pasta dishes to make as well. We also have a full list of the 5 Best Smoked Mac n Cheese Recipes if you just can’t get enough creamy, cheesy goodness.


If you like this post, we think you’ll really like our Costco Mac n Cheese Brands post.

Crab Mac n Cheese Recipes
Crab Mac n Cheese Recipes

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