Macaroni And Cheese With Crab Meat And Bacon
Ahhh, macaroni and cheese. It's the ultimate comfort food. It's creamy, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying. And what can make this perfect dish even better? Crab meat and bacon, of course!
The Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need to make Macaroni and Cheese with Crab Meat and Bacon:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups crab meat
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Cooking Process
Now that you have all the ingredients, it's time to start cooking. Here's how:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the instructions on the package. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add in the flour and whisk until combined, creating a roux.
- Slowly add in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, and whisk to combine.
- Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes until it thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Add the sharp cheddar cheese, and stir until it melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Add in the crab meat and bacon, and stir until evenly distributed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the saucepan, and stir until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
- Let the macaroni and cheese with crab meat and bacon cook over low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
Now that you know how to make this heavenly dish, here are a few tips and tricks to make it even better:
- Use real crab meat instead of imitation crab meat for a more authentic flavor.
- Cook the bacon until it's crispy for added texture and crunch.
- Don't forget to season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- For a more indulgent dish, use half-and-half or all heavy cream instead of whole milk.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique and delicious twist on the classic mac and cheese.
The Final Word
Macaroni and Cheese with Crab Meat and Bacon is a dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a comforting meal on a cold day, or you're simply craving something cheesy and delicious, this recipe is the answer to all your prayers.
So what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen and try this recipe out today. With its easy-to-follow instructions and delicious flavor, it's sure to become a new favorite in your household!