Crab Mac & Cheese

Take your comfort food to the next level with this easy and hearth warming recipe. Load up on all the healthy benefits of wild Alaskan crab with lean protein, omega3’s, Vitamin-B12, and Vitamin-D. Recipe adapted from Alaskaseafood.org.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Italian fusilli or trottole pasta, cooked al dente, drained and kept warm

• 1 lb. Alaska crabmeat (2 lbs. Alaska King, Snow or Dungeness crab legs)

• 2 cups bite-sized pieces of fresh asparagus (about 9 oz.) (optional)

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1/2 cup flour

• 1 teaspoon salt or garlic salt or onion salt

• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper

• 1 quart non-fat or 1% milk, warmed

• 1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese

• 1/2 to 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions:

Step 1 - In a large pot over medium to low heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in salt, pepper, and warm milk. Cook and continue whisking until the sauce has thickened and is smooth. Turn heat to it’s lowest setting, stir in the cheeses! Turn off heat and continue stirring until the sauce is smooth. Gently fold in the pasta, crabmeat, and asparagus.

Step 2 - Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Pour the cheese and crab mixture into a spray coated 9 x 13 inch baking dish. You can also use eight 1 1/2 cup baking dishes. Blend together bread crumbs, smoked paprika, & thyme; sprinkle evenly over the pasta and crab mixture.

Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese sauce is bubble and the topping is browned.

Enjoy!

Beat the winter doldrums with delicious crab mac and cheese. Use your own favorite pasta shape and add in other veggies if desired.

Recipe & image courtesy of Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI)