Japanese Cotton Cheesecake

 BAKED CRAB MACARONI & CHEESE

Mac & cheese is a classic comfort food. Now you can add a pleasant twist to this classic & look like a gourmet chef at home:) 

You can’t go wrong with lump crab, cheese & pasta!

PREP TIME :25 mins

COOK TIME :35 mins

TOTAL TIME :1 hr

INGREDIENTS

* 1 16 oz box dry elbow noodles

* 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat

* ½ cup butter

* ½ cup all-purpose flour

* 1 ½ tsp old bay (seafood seasoning)

* ½ tsp salt 

* ¼ tsp black pepper

* 2 oz cream cheese softened

* 5 cups whole milk

* 5 cups shredded Cheddar & Sharp cheese divided

TOPPING

* 2 Tbsp  butter melted

* ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs

* 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

* ¼ tsp old bay

* 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dried.

INSTRUCTIONS

1_ Preheat the oven to 350°F. 

2_ Spray a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. (Set aside.)

3_ Cook the pasta in salted water per the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

4_ Pick over the crab meat removing any shells. (Set aside.)

5_ In a medium-size heavy bottomed saucepan melt ½ cup butter over medium heat.

6_ Add flour, 1 ½ tsp seafood seasoning, salt and black pepper. Mix until the flour has been absorbed by the butter stirring constantly.

7_ Gradually whisk in the milk. 

8_ Whisk constantly to prevent clumping & sticking to the bottom.

9_ Bring the milk to a boil then immediately lower the heat to low. Simmer for 3-5 minutes stirring moderately to prevent sticking & burning to the bottom.

10_ Turn off the heat. 

11_ Add cream cheese to the sauce. Stir until melted then add 3 cups shredded Cheddar and Sharp cheese.

12_ Remove from heat, stirring until fully melted.

13_ Add the cooked pasta and crab meat to into a large mixing bowl.

14_ Pour the cheese sauce over and mix until fully coated and the crab meat is evenly mixed throughout.

15_ Pour ½ into the baking dish. 

16_ Top with 1 cup shredded cheese. Repeat with macaroni then top with the final 1 cup of shredded cheese.

Topping

1_ Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a small microwave safe bowl.

2_ Mix with the seasoned bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and ¼ tsp seafood seasoning. 

3_ (Add more or less to suit your taste) 

4_ Sprinkle on top.

5_ Place into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbly.

6_ Garnish with fresh chopped or dried parsley just before serving.

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