Chesapeake Bay "Crabby" Mac Recipe

Name: Chesapeake Bay "Crabby" Mac
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter; 1 large shallot (or 2 small) minced; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 cups milk; 1 tablespoon seafood seasoning (recommended: Old Bay); 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese; 2 cups grated manchego cheese; 1 cup grated Cheddar; 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley leaves; 2 tablespoons sherry, optional; 1 (16-ounce) box elbow macaroni; 1 pound lump crabmeat; 4 tablespoons melted butter; 1 cup bread crumbs; 2 teaspoons seafood seasoning (recommended: Old Bay); 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley leaves

Servings: persons

4 tablespoons butter
1 large shallot (or 2 small) minced
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 tablespoon seafood seasoning (recommended: Old Bay)
1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese
2 cups grated manchego cheese
1 cup grated Cheddar
2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley leaves
2 tablespoons sherry, optional
1 (16-ounce) box elbow macaroni
1 pound lump crabmeat
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup bread crumbs
2 teaspoons seafood seasoning (recommended: Old Bay)
1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley leaves

1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2
For the sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan.
3
Add minced shallots and saute for 1 to 2 minutes.
4
Add the flour to make a roux.
5
Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes to cook the flour.
6
Slowly, add 3 cups milk.
7
When milk is incorporated into the roux, add the seafood seasoning, and the block of cream cheese.
8
Cook until cream cheese is melted.
9
Add shredded manchego and Cheddar cheeses and parsley.
10
Cook until all the cheese is melted.
11
Add the sherry, if desired.
12
Cook macaroni according to package directions or until just al dente.
13
Drain macaroni.
14
Stir cheese mixture into cooked macaroni and old in crabmeat.
15
(Be sure to fold in crabmeat so you don't break up the lumps too much, you want nice chunks of crab.)
16
Put mixture in a baking dish.
17
Mix melted butter, bread crumbs, seafood seasoning, and parsley.
18
Sprinkle topping on the dish.
19
Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes to make the topping crispy.
20
Garnish with fresh parsley.

798

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 16 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 4 tablespoons butter, 1 large shallot (or 2 small) minced, 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 3 cups milk, and more.

Yes, Chesapeake Bay "Crabby" Mac falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Chesapeake Bay "Crabby" Mac

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions