Favorite Crawfish Mac and Cheese Recipe
Enjoy a Cajun take on everyone's most beloved creamy, indulgent pasta dish with this favorite crawfish mac and cheese! Tender crawfish is tucked into delicate pasta with the most decadent cheese sauce to make the ultimate crowd-pleasing meal.
How to Make the Best Favorite Crawfish Mac and Cheese
This favorite crawfish mac and cheese brings Southern coastal comfort food to your table with an irresistible Cajun twist. The combination of tender crawfish, creamy cheese sauce, and three varieties of cheese creates a dish that’s both luxurious and deeply satisfying. Every forkful delivers rich, spicy, indulgent flavors that make this one of the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort foods.
What makes this recipe special is the careful balance of flavors and textures. The homemade cheese sauce, made from a silky roux and room-temperature cream and milk, ensures a smooth, cohesive sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. The addition of Cajun seasoning and Dijon mustard adds depth and complexity, while the combination of cheddar, Gouda, and Gruyère creates a sophisticated cheese profile that’s far more interesting than single-cheese versions.
The golden panko topping provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta below, while the crawfish tails keep this dish firmly in indulgent territory. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just when only Cajun comfort food will do, this favorite crawfish mac and cheese delivers the ultimate savory, spicy Southern experience.
Favorite Crawfish Mac and Cheese
Enjoy a Cajun take on everyone's most beloved creamy, indulgent pasta dish with this favorite crawfish mac and cheese! Tender crawfish is tucked into delicate pasta with the most decadent cheese sauce to make the ultimate crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
Cheese Sauce
Topping & Protein
Instructions
Prepare
- Heat oven to 325 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the elbow macaroni two minutes less than what the package directions dictate. Drain and reserve in a large mixing bowl.
Make Panko Topping
- While the water boils and the pasta cooks, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the panko crumbs and stir to coat. Continue to cook, stirring every so often, until the panko crumbs turn golden brown. Remove from heat and reserve.
Create Cheese Sauce
- Melt the remaining ½ cup butter in the pot over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Whisk in the flour. Continue to whisk constantly for about three minutes.
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth mixture. Season with Cajun seasoning and Dijon mustard. Start with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and add more to taste.
- Bring to a simmer, whisking frequently. Do not boil as that can cause the milk to separate and leave you with a grainy sauce.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in 1 cup cheddar, 1 cup Gouda and 1 cup Gruyère until the cheese melts and becomes one cohesive mixture.
Assemble & Bake
- Add the macaroni and crawfish to the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir to coat.
- Pour half the mac and cheese into a greased 9-inch-by-13-inch baking dish or 12-inch cast-iron skillet. Layer half the remaining cheese on top.
- Pour the rest of the macaroni on the cheese layer and top with the last of the cheese. Sprinkle the browned panko crumbs on top.
- Bake until hot and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, hot sauce and more Cajun seasoning. Enjoy!
Notes
- Start with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and add more to taste based on your spice preference.
- Do not boil the cream mixture as it can cause the milk to separate and result in a grainy sauce.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.