Macaroni & Cheese with Crab

No more tasteless box mixes, this Macaroni & Cheese is so delicious, you'll serve it to company!

1 pound macaroni, cooked al dente
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 stick butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups milk, heated
1/2 cup cream or half & half, heated
salt & pepper, to taste
1 pound crabmeat, picked over for shell pieces
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 cup white cheddar, freshly shredded
3 tablespoons parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 tablespoons Dom DeLuise Italian Blend
1/2 cup bread crumbs

Toss cooked macaroni with the olive oil and set aside.

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Whisk in flour; do not allow to brown. Slowly add the milk and cream, whisking constantly. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until smooth and thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the sauce to the macaroni and mix well. Fold in the crabmeat, chives and both cheeses and gently mix. Transfer to a buttered casserole dish.

In a small bowl, combine the remaining parmesan cheese, the DeLuise Italian Blend and bread crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole. Dot the top with butter and bake about 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

Remove from oven and let stand a few minutes before serving.

Serves 4

For a less expensive weekday version, try using tuna or cooked chicken instead of crab!

Sign up for our In The Kitchen mailing list and get Dom's recipes delivered to your inbox every week!

Discuss this recipe or suggest your own at the On The House Home Improvement Forum!