Decadent Alaskan Snow Crab Mac ‘n Cheese: A Gourmet Seafood Delight for Any Occasion
For many, the Lenten season brings a thoughtful pause, often accompanied by a shift in dietary habits, particularly abstaining from meat on Fridays. As someone raised in the Catholic faith, and now raising my own children within it, I’ve often encountered questions about the perceived challenge of these meatless Fridays. Yet, in our household, it’s never felt like a struggle, but rather an exciting opportunity for culinary creativity. Long before Lent, we consistently incorporate at least one meatless dinner into our weekly routine, a practice made easy by my children’s enthusiastic love for both vegetables and, especially, seafood! This allows us to move far beyond the usual Friday fare of fish sticks or cheese pizza, embracing the chance to explore innovative and delicious seafood recipes that satisfy our cravings and adhere to our traditions.
So, when the incredible opportunity arose to craft a unique recipe featuring the unparalleled quality of Alaskan Seafood, I was absolutely thrilled – I quite literally squealed with delight! My mind immediately began to swirl with a myriad of tempting ideas. Alaska offers such a magnificent bounty of the sea, making the choice delightfully difficult. While our family enjoys a wide range of Alaskan delights, including the rich Alaskan Sockeye Salmon, the flaky Cod, and the versatile Halibut, there’s one particular seafood that truly captures the heart of my youngest daughter: crab. Her passion for crab is undeniable, and it heavily influenced the direction of this recipe endeavor.
My youngest daughter’s love affair with crab is a sight to behold. She possesses an almost zen-like patience as she meticulously cracks open the legs of Alaskan King or Alaskan Snow Crab, carefully and lovingly extracting every succulent piece of meat. She then piles her precious harvest onto her plate, savoring each bite of the sweet, tender crab meat. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a ritual that speaks to the irresistible allure of this exquisite seafood. Her dedication to enjoying every last morsel of crab affirmed my decision to feature this magnificent ingredient in my creation. This recipe had to be something truly special, something that honored the superior flavor and texture of Alaskan crab, and something that would make her (and everyone else) truly happy.
Beyond its incredible taste, Alaskan seafood boasts an impressive nutritional profile and a commitment to sustainability that makes it an even more appealing choice. Did you know that the pristine, icy-cold waters and untouched natural environment of Alaska are the perfect conditions for producing seafood with exceptionally lean flesh, a firm and desirable texture, and a superior flavor that is truly unmatched? This remarkable seafood is not only delicious but also packed with high-quality protein, essential vitamins, vital minerals, and beneficial omega-3 oils, all crucial for maintaining good health and promoting overall well-being. Opting for Alaskan seafood means choosing a product that supports a healthy lifestyle while indulging in a premium culinary experience.
Furthermore, Alaska plays a pivotal role in the nation’s seafood supply, providing nearly 60% of all seafood consumed in the United States. Incredibly, about 90% of all North American salmon originates from the pristine Alaskan waters. What truly sets Alaskan seafood apart, however, is its unwavering commitment to responsible stewardship. Their fishing methods are not just based on strict conservation practices but are deeply enshrined within the State Constitution itself. This dedication ensures that Alaska’s rich marine ecosystems remain healthy and productive, guaranteeing that the delicious Alaskan seafood we savor today will continue to be available and enjoyed by generations to come. This focus on long-term sustainability provides peace of mind, knowing that every bite supports a responsible and ethical fishing industry.
With the recipe concept firmly in mind – a luxurious mac and cheese highlighting succulent Alaskan Snow Crab – it was time for the exciting next step: grocery shopping! My local HyVee grocery store is always my first stop, especially when I’m on a mission for premium ingredients. My absolute favorite sections of the store are undoubtedly the seafood counter and the cheese counter. I made it a point to visit both managers, engaging in detailed conversations to ensure I selected nothing but the finest components for my ambitious Alaskan Snow Crab Mac ‘n Cheese. The expertise of the staff always enhances my cooking journey.
At the cheese counter, I specifically requested fresh Gruyere and Havarti cheese, shredded directly from the block. The rich, nutty notes of Gruyere and the buttery, slightly tangy creaminess of Havarti were chosen for their perfect melting qualities and their ability to create a complex, indulgent cheese sauce that wouldn’t overpower the delicate flavor of the crab. Then, it was off to the seafood counter, where I spent a considerable amount of time discussing the merits of the Alaskan Snow Crab versus the Alaskan King Crab legs available that day with the knowledgeable seafood manager. After weighing the options, I settled on the delicate sweetness and tender texture of the Alaskan Snow Crab legs, confident they would be the ideal star for this decadent dish.
Knowing that Alaskan seafood is a prized commodity, I couldn’t resist purchasing extra crab legs, alongside some glorious Alaskan Sockeye Salmon, to savor throughout the weekend. It transformed into our very own impromptu “Alaskan Seafood Fest,” a delightful celebration of the ocean’s bounty right in our home! This impromptu feast allowed us to enjoy the versatility and exquisite taste of different Alaskan species, further cementing our appreciation for the quality and freshness available. The anticipation of combining such exceptional ingredients into a comforting classic like mac and cheese made the entire culinary experience even more enjoyable.
The resulting Alaskan Snow Crab Mac ‘n Cheese was, without exaggeration, the most profoundly decadent and satisfying pasta dish I have ever had the pleasure of creating and tasting. Each spoonful was a symphony of creamy, rich cheese perfectly complemented by generous chunks of sweet, tender Alaskan snow crab. The combination was truly sublime, elevating a beloved comfort food to an extraordinary gourmet experience. This wasn’t just a side dish; it was the star of the show, a hearty and luxurious meal that comfortably fed my large family, with enough glorious leftovers to provide a much-anticipated lunch the following Saturday. Its impressive portion size and rich flavor profile make it an ideal dish for special gatherings, holiday meals, or simply when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly spectacular.
Whether you’re observing Lent, seeking a sophisticated seafood option for a special dinner, or simply looking to impress with a truly memorable meal, this Alaskan Snow Crab Mac ‘n Cheese is a recipe that promises to deliver. It beautifully combines the comforting familiarity of mac and cheese with the luxurious taste and health benefits of sustainable Alaskan seafood. Get ready to indulge in a dish that will undoubtedly become a treasured family favorite.
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Print Recipe
Alaskan Snow Crab Mac ‘n Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Alaskan Snow Crab Meat (I used the meat from 3 of the clusters you see pictured)
- 1 pound Campanelle pasta (cooked al dente)
- 1 stick butter (divided into two 1/2 stick portions)
- 3 teaspoons garlic puree
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cups Half & Half
- 1 Tablespoon fresh chives (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces high-quality Havarti cheese (freshly shredded for best results)
- 8 ounces high-quality Gruyere cheese (freshly shredded for best results)
- 1 1/2 cups Panko Bread Crumbs
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly spraying it with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring an easy release of your delicious mac ‘n cheese.
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Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the Campanelle pasta and cook until it is al dente, meaning still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta thoroughly, rinse it quickly with cool water to stop the cooking process, and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
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Using the same large pot (to minimize dishes!), melt half a stick of butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the garlic puree and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Gradually whisk in the flour, cooking for another minute to create a smooth roux. Pour in the lemon juice and Half & Half, continuing to whisk constantly to ensure no lumps form. The mixture will slowly begin to thicken into a creamy sauce.
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Remove the pot from the heat. Slowly stir in both the shredded Havarti and Gruyere cheeses until they are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and luxurious. Fold in the fresh chives, salt, and pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed to enhance the flavors.
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Gently fold in the cooked Alaskan Snow Crab meat and the al dente pasta into the rich cheese sauce. Make sure the crab and pasta are evenly coated. Carefully pour this decadent mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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In a small pan, melt the remaining half stick of butter. Add the Panko bread crumbs to the melted butter and stir until they are thoroughly coated. Sprinkle this buttery, crispy Panko topping generously over the pasta in the baking dish. This will create a delightful golden-brown crust.
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Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the mac ‘n cheese is bubbly around the edges and the Panko topping is beautifully golden brown and crispy. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to set slightly. Enjoy this exquisite seafood mac ‘n cheese!
Nutrition
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I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.