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Dungeness Crab Mac and Cheese





Yields
Serves 4



Total Time
45 mins

While Dungeness crab may seem like a splurge for a weeknight, when you add it to this family favorite a little goes a long way.

su-Dungeness Mac and Cheese Image




Photo: Colin Price; Styling: Emma Star Jensen

 12 ounces elbow pasta or medium-size shell pasta
 1/2 cup panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs)
 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese (preferably using a Microplane, which makes the cheese fluffier)
 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
 2 teaspoons fresh or 1 tsp. dried thyme leaves
 2 tablespoons salted butter
 2 tablespoons flour
 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
 1/4 teaspoon pepper
 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
 3 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed
 1 cup grated sharp white cheddar
 12 ounces shelled, flaked Dungeness crab
 1 green onion, sliced 1/4 in. thick
Step 1
1

Arrange an oven rack 5 in. from heat and preheat broiler. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well, then rinse with cold water. Drain again and set aside.

Step 2
2

In a small bowl, mix panko, parmesan, oil, and thyme. Set aside.

Step 3
3

Melt butter in a large ovenproof frying pan over medium-high heat. Add flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne; cook, whisking, until bubbling and light tan, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Add milk and cook, whisking, until small bubbles appear at edge of pan and sauce just begins to thicken, 3 to 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, add cheddar, and whisk until blended. Add crab and reserved pasta; toss gently to mix and heat through.

Step 4
4

Spread crab mixture evenly in pan and scatter with panko mixture. Transfer to oven and broil until bread crumbs are well browned, about 1 minute. Top with green onions.

Step 5
5

Wine pairing: Cinder 2015 Dry Viognier (Washington and Idaho; $18).

Nutrition Facts

0 servings

Serving size

Amount per serving
Calories1018
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 48g62%

Saturated Fat 29g145%
Cholesterol 185mg62%
Sodium 1241mg54%
Total Carbohydrate 88g32%

Dietary Fiber 3.6g13%
Protein 59g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.