Bushra Griffith
Macaroni and cheese is a classic, comforting dish. But have you ever tried making it with imitation crab? This recipe is a great way to elevate the traditional macaroni and cheese without breaking the bank. Imitation crab macaroni and cheese is a creamy, indulgent dish that is perfect for sharing with friends and family on special occasions. It can be served as either a side dish or an entrée. This recipe combines cooked pasta, a homemade cheese sauce, and imitation crab, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb coating.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Side dish or entrée |
| Main ingredients | Imitation crab, macaroni, cheese |
| Cheese options | Sharp cheddar, old cheddar, parmesan, gruyere, monterey jack, sharp white cheddar, provolone |
| Other ingredients | Butter, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, dry mustard, Old Bay Seasoning, seafood seasoning, Cajun seasoning, garlic salt, ground mustard, black pepper, cream cheese, flour, breadcrumbs, Italian parsley |
| Breadcrumb options | Panko, regular, Ritz crackers |
| Oven temperature | 350-400°F |
| Baking time | 15-30 minutes |
| Baking dish | 8-inch square or 9x13 |
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What You'll Learn
Buying imitation crab
When buying imitation crab for your macaroni and cheese, you can choose between flakes and sticks. Both work well in the recipe, so you can base your decision on your budget and availability. For example, if one option is on sale, that might be the best choice. You can buy imitation crab online from Walmart or Instacart, or in-store.
If you opt for sticks, you'll need to chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. You can also buy pre-made imitation crab meat in a vacuum pack or plastic bag, which is often fully cooked and ready to eat. If you want to make your own, you can use surimi and other ingredients to create the imitation crab stick.
When choosing your cheese, it's recommended to buy a block of sharp cheddar cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with starch or an anti-caking agent, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. If you want to add a touch of luxury, you can also sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
To make the sauce extra creamy, you can add heavy cream to your milk. This will help the sauce coat the macaroni, creating a rich and indulgent dish.
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Preparing the sauce
The sauce for this imitation crab macaroni and cheese recipe is a classic béchamel, or milk-based sauce, with added cheese. To start, you'll need to melt some butter in a saucepan over medium heat. You can use unsalted butter if you prefer, and the amount you use will depend on how much sauce you wish to make. Once melted, add an equal amount of flour to the butter, whisking constantly to combine. This mixture is called a roux and is the base for your sauce. Cook the roux for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and starts to turn a light brown colour. This will add flavour to the flour and prevent it from tasting doughy.
Next, gradually add milk to the roux, whisking constantly. You can also add some heavy cream at this stage for a richer sauce. Keep whisking until the milk is smooth and thickened. The slower you add the milk, the easier it will be for the sauce to thicken. Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. If you want a very smooth sauce, you can transfer it to a blender and blend until smooth before returning it to the pan.
Now it's time to add the cheese. For this sauce, you'll need a mix of cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheese. Add the cheese a handful at a time, stirring until each handful is melted before adding more. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper, and perhaps a pinch of cayenne for a kick. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little more milk to thin it out.
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Combining ingredients
To combine the ingredients for imitation crab macaroni and cheese, start by cooking the pasta. Use elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta, or any small pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, usually in salted water until it's al dente, or fully cooked if you prefer it that way. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
Next, make the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a large nonstick pan over medium to medium-high heat. You can also use a large saucepan. Whisk in an equal amount of flour, cooking for a few minutes until the mixture is fragrant and has a light brown colour. This will create a roux, which will add flavour to the sauce and help it thicken. Slowly stream in milk, whisking continuously until smooth. You can use whole milk, or a mixture of milk and heavy cream, or half-and-half. For a richer sauce, add a larger proportion of cream. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese. You can use a mix of sharp cheddar, old cheddar, gruyere, parmesan, provolone, or white cheddar. Grate the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as well. You can also add in cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Once the cheese has melted, stir in the seasonings. You can use salt, black pepper, dry mustard, garlic salt, ground mustard, Old Bay seasoning, seafood seasoning, or Cajun seasoning. If you want a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper.
In a large bowl or pot, combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and imitation crab. You can buy imitation crab in sticks or flakes, and chop them into small bite-sized pieces. Fold the ingredients together gently until they are evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
Finally, prepare the topping. You can use Panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, or a blend of your own bread in a food processor. Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter, and sprinkle them on top of the pasta mixture. You can also add grated parmesan cheese, fresh Italian parsley, or crushed Ritz crackers with Old Bay seasoning to the topping.
Your imitation crab macaroni and cheese is now ready to be baked!
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Baking the dish
Once you've prepared your imitation crab macaroni and cheese, it's time to bake it to perfection. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving a delicious, golden-brown dish:
Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to the desired temperature. The temperature can vary based on preferences and recipes, ranging from 350°F to 400°F. Adjust the oven rack to the middle position if needed.
Prepare the Baking Dish
Use a baking dish that is suitable for the amount of macaroni and cheese you have prepared. A standard option is a 9x13-inch baking dish, which works well for a larger batch. You can also use an 8-inch square baking dish or a 2-quart baking dish. Lightly coat the baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
Combine Ingredients
In your prepared baking dish, start by combining the cooked pasta and cheese sauce. Stir well until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Then, gently fold in the imitation crab meat. You can also add other ingredients, such as chopped shrimp, tuna, or salmon, for a seafood variation.
Toppings
For a crunchy and delicious topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the macaroni and cheese. Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice, known for their extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs or even blended bread crumbs can also be used. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese, seafood seasoning, and fresh herbs like Italian parsley to the topping for extra flavour.
Baking Time
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the dish is hot, bubbly, and golden brown. The baking time can vary depending on the amount of food and the oven temperature. For a standard batch, bake for around 25 to 30 minutes. However, smaller batches or higher oven temperatures may require adjustments, so keep an eye on your dish to avoid overcooking.
Garnish and Serve
Once your imitation crab macaroni and cheese is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish it with fresh minced parsley, buttery crackers, or a sprinkle of seafood seasoning. Serve it while it's still hot and bubbly, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
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Storing leftovers
Alternatively, you can freeze leftovers for longer storage. To reheat frozen leftovers, gently defrost them in the refrigerator, then follow the same reheating instructions as above.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a variety of cheeses, including sharp cheddar, parmesan, gruyere, Monterey Jack, or sharp white cheddar.
Cavatappi or twisted macaroni is recommended, but you can also use other small pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta.
You can find imitation crab meat in most grocery stores, usually in the same aisle as canned tuna. It is often sold in sticks or flakes, but either option will work for this recipe.
The preparation time will vary depending on the recipe you follow, but baking time is typically around 15-30 minutes.
