Kardea Brown Crab Mac And Cheese Recipe
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that many Americans love. It's cheesy, gooey, and delicious. But have you ever thought about adding crab meat to it? If not, then you're in for a treat because Kardea Brown has come up with a crab mac and cheese recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy. In this article, we'll dive deep into this recipe and show you how to make it step by step.
Ingredients
Before we get into the recipe, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need for Kardea Brown's crab mac and cheese:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 2 cups cooked lump crab meat
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Most of these ingredients can be found in your local grocery store. If you can't find Gruyere cheese, you can substitute it with another type of cheese that melts well, like fontina or Gouda.
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, let's get started with the instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Keep whisking and cook until the mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the cooked macaroni and crab meat until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs, olive oil, and chopped parsley. Sprinkle the mixture over the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This crab mac and cheese recipe is not your ordinary mac and cheese. The addition of crab meat gives the dish a burst of flavor and texture that will make your taste buds dance with joy. The creamy cheese sauce pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory taste of the crab meat.
Another reason why you should try this recipe is that it's easy to make. You don't need to be a professional chef to make this delicious dish. The ingredients are easy to find, and the instructions are straightforward.
Lastly, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're having a family dinner, a potluck party, or just want to treat yourself to a delicious meal, this crab mac and cheese recipe will not disappoint.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kardea Brown's crab mac and cheese recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves mac and cheese and wants to take it up a notch. With its creamy cheese sauce and sweet and savory crab meat, this dish will make your taste buds dance with joy. The recipe is easy to follow, and the ingredients are easy to find. So why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with this delicious dish?