Crabby Mac n Cheese

Crabby Mac 'n' Cheese

• • 3/4 pound macaroni noodles, cooked and drained

  • 3/4 pound Lump Crab

  • 2 cups buttermilk (2% or whole)

  • 2 cups milk (2% or whole)

  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten

  • 1/2 pound grated cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 pound grated mozzarella cheese

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan, divided

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon pepper

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce, your favorite brand

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced

  • 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

  • 1 1/2 cups Panko crumbs

Preheat the oven to 350 and spray a 9x13 pan with non-stick spray.

In a large bowl, combine the macaroni and crab; in a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, milk, eggs, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, half the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper and hot sauce. Combine with the macaroni and crab and spread evenly in the pan. Dot with the butter. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes until the sauce is thick and creamy.

Remove the foil, and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan, bacon, and Panko. Bake for 15 minutes more, uncovered, until golden brown.

Yields 6-8 servings

Recipe from Curly Girl Kitchen