The smell of bubbling cheese and smoky Old Bay hits me like a hug from Grandma’s kitcheninstant comfort. Crawfish Mac and Cheese is the southern soul of baked pasta, served creamy and cozy, with a kick of Cajun. Folks on TikTok are having a meltdown over this cheesy dreamboat, spoonful after spoonful.
This warm, creamy bowl combines tender pasta, buttery crawfish tails, and sharp cheddar into one ridiculously comforting bite. It’s like the Cracker Barrel mac but turned up a notch, with a bayou twist. Perfect for Thanksgiving menu ideas side dishes or weeknight cravings. Full details in the blog!
I made this during a messy Monday that turned magicalme, butter-stained apron, kids stealing bites off the stove. It’s a tad chaotic, but that’s how all my favorites start. Our family loves tradition with a twist. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Crawfish mac and cheese blends creamy mac n cheese with savory flavors inspired by Crawfish boil. This recipe offers a delicious copycat version that fits perfectly in a traditional Thanksgiving menu or as a baked side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
2 Cups Elbow Macaroni
4 Cups Crawfish Stock or Seafood Stock
⅓ Cup Unsalted Butter unsalted
⅓ Cup All Purpose Flour
2 Cups Whole Milk
2–½ Cups Colby Cheese
1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning
1 Pound Crawfish Tails
1 Pinch Fresh Parsley optional garnish
Instructions
Warm the oven to 350°F before starting.
Boil the crawfish or seafood stock in a large pot.
Add elbow noodles and cook for 6 minutes until just tender, then drain and keep a cup of pasta water aside.
In a 10-inch cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in flour with a whisk and cook for a few minutes.
Slowly add heated milk to the roux while continuously stirring to prevent lumps.
Mix in 2 cups of cheese until fully melted, then season with Creole seasoning.
Combine the cooked noodles and crawfish tails with the cheese sauce.
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
Switch the oven to broil and broil the mac and cheese for 3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Take from oven carefully and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
While adding Creole Seasoning, if sauce thickens too much, thin it using reserved pasta water
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Method:Baked
Cuisine:Southern Food
Nutrition
Serving Size:1g
Calories:452kcal
Sugar:4g
Sodium:492mg
Fat:21g
Saturated Fat:12g
Unsaturated Fat:7g
Carbohydrates:23g
Fiber:1g
Protein:41g
Cholesterol:249mg
Why You’ll Love This Crawfish Mac and Cheese
This crawfish mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort foodgooey, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of warm hug dish that’ll delight your taste buds with buttery crawfish tails and perfect Cajun seasoning. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or part of your traditional Thanksgiving menu, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s simple to make, even for those of us prone to “happy little kitchen accidents.”
If you’ve ever been enchanted by Cracker Barrel mac and cheese, imagine that, but with a distinct Southern personality. The Southern flavors truly shine, giving this meal a touch of sass and a kick of spice. And let’s be realthere’s nothing quite like comforting, creamy mac and cheese with a fun seafood twist!
Key Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients: Everything in this dish plays a crucial role! Here’s what makes this dish truly special:
Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for catching all that creamy cheese sauce in every bite.
Crawfish Tails: These bring a touch of tender, buttery seafood goodness. Perfect for leftover crawfish from a boil!
Colby Cheese: It melts beautifully and adds rich, creamy flavor.
Creole Seasoning: An essential Cajun kick ties it all together.
Tools to make it easy: You’ll need a 4.5-quart pot for boiling, a 10-inch cast iron skillet for that golden-baked finish, and reliable measuring cups. Nothing too fancyjust trustworthy staples from your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this dish is easier than you think, we promise! You’ve got this, one delicious step at a time. Here’s how:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Start by boiling your crawfish stock and cooking the elbow macaroni until al denteabout 6 minutes. Don’t forget to save a cup of that pasta water for later magic!
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in your skillet over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking it for a couple of minutes until it smells nutty (don’t rush!).
Warm the milk and slowly stir it into the roux. Take your timesmooth sauce is the goal. Gradually melt in the Colby cheese, a little at a time, stirring until the sauce is silky smooth. Add the Creole seasoning for that signature Cajun warmth.
Stir in the cooked pasta and crawfish tails until everything is evenly coated in cheesy, Cajun goodness. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, pop it in the oven, and bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
Switch to the broiler for 3 minutes to get that bubbly, golden finish. Garnish with parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Now grab forks and dig in!
Pro Tips & Easy Customizations
Pro Tip: If your cheese sauce gets too thick, whisk in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. It’s an old-school trick that always does the trick!
Make it your own:
Cheese swaps: Can’t find Colby? Cheddar or Monterey Jack work beautifully.
Add a topping: Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs sprinkled on top before baking add a delightful crunchy contrast.
Turn up the heat: Love spice? Toss in a little extra Creole seasoning or a pinch of cayenne.
Serving, Storage & Reheating Tips
This dish is a true show-stopper right out of the oven, but here’s how to handle the leftovers (if there are any!):
Storage
Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for 10–15 minutes until warm.
Can also be frozen for up to 1 monththaw overnight in the fridge.
Microwave individual portions with a splash of stock or milk to refresh the sauce.
This crawfish mac and cheese is fantastic on its own, but it’s a standout side dish for festive Thanksgiving menus, pairing wonderfully with roasted turkey or buttery rolls. Just be readyyour guests will be asking for seconds!
Expert Says
Crawfish mac and cheese combines rich proteins from crawfish with creamy, calcium-rich cheese, creating a balanced flavor and nutrient profile. Using a roux-based cheese sauce helps achieve a smooth texture by preventing separation, ensuring each bite is velvety and cohesive while enhancing the dish’s indulgent appeal.
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The Road to My Ultimate Crawfish Mac and Cheese
Perfecting this Crawfish Mac and Cheese was quite a journeyI burned the sauce on my third attempt and overcooked the pasta on another. But with each try, I learned what textures and flavors work best. Today’s recipe is the beloved cozy, creamy dish my family keeps asking for, and it’s worth every messy kitchen moment.
FAQs ( Crawfish Mac and Cheese )
How do I prepare the crawfish for the dish?
Use cooked and peeled crawfish tails for best results. Rinse them gently to remove any residual grit, then pat dry before adding to the cheese sauce. Adding them too early can cause overcooking, so fold them in near the end to keep their texture tender and flavorful.
Can I make the mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, this dish holds up well when made a few hours ahead. Prepare and assemble it, then refrigerate uncovered to let the top crust stay crisp when reheated. Add crawfish just before baking to avoid toughening the seafood during storage.
What cheese is best for this recipe?
A combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack yields a creamy, flavorful sauce with good melt. These cheeses balance richness without overpowering the crawfish. Avoid pre-shredded varieties to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth sauce.
How do I achieve the perfect baked crust?
Top the mac and cheese with a mix of panko breadcrumbs and a little melted butter before baking. This creates a golden, crispy crust. Bake uncovered at a moderate temperature to allow even browning without drying out the creamy interior.
Can this recipe be included in traditional Thanksgiving menus?
Absolutely, it makes a unique and delicious side dish to complement classic mains. Its rich creaminess fits well alongside turkey and sides on a Thanksgiving table. Pair it with lighter vegetables to balance the meal.
Conclusion
In just about an hour, this crawfish mac and cheese transforms simple ingredients into a bubbling, golden-crusted comfort feast. You’ll love how the creamy cheese sauce perfectly coats every noodle, with tender crawfish adding that irresistible Southern charm. The aroma alone will draw everyone to the tablewarm, cozy, and a touch of Cajun magic in every bite.
Feel free to swap Colby for sharp cheddar if you prefer, or sprinkle crushed crackers on top for some crunch. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of milk, a little kitchen trick I picked up from my aunt’s housewarming dinners. Serve it alongside roast turkey or enjoy as a satisfying stand-alone mealflexibility is part of the fun!
Did this recipe bring back any family food memories or inspire your own twist? I’d love to see your photos or hear your stories in the comments! Don’t forget to save this delightful recipe for your next traditional Thanksgiving menu or anytime you crave a comforting meal. Here’s to good food and happy tummiescheers, friends!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
