A bowl of baked crab mac and cheese with golden breadcrumbs on top, featuring elbow macaroni and tender crab meat in a creamy cheese sauce.

Creamy, comforting, and just a little indulgent, this Alaska Crab Mac & Cheese brings together tender crab meat and a rich blend of melted cheeses folded into classic elbow pasta. Finished with a golden, bubbly top, it’s the kind of cozy seafood dish that feels just right for a relaxed dinner or a small celebration. Tanner (bairdi) or Dungeness crab work especially well in this recipe, though any wild Alaska crab will work beautifully.

  • Prep Time:

    20 minutes

  • Cook Time:

    25 minutes

  • Total Time:

    45 minutes

  • Servings:

    4-6

  • Ingredients:

    • 8 oz elbow macaroni
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups milk
    • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
    • 1/2 pound cooked Alaskan crab meat (lump or claw)
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
    • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

  • Instructions:

    1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
    3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
    4. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
    5. Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
    6. Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dijon mustard.
    7. Gently fold in the cooked crab meat and cooked macaroni until well combined.
    8. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crunchy topping.
    9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbly.
    10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

    Enjoy your homemade Crab Mac and Cheese!

More recipes using this fish →

Browse more recipes by category:

Hearty Meals • Smokehouse Original