Why Make This Recipe
Seafood Mac and Cheese is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of the sea with the creamy comfort of traditional mac and cheese. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or just a cozy family dinner. The addition of shrimp and crab meat makes it a delicious meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce seafood to those who might be hesitant about trying it!
How to Make Seafood Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb. of Macaroni noodles
- 1 bag of Jumbo Shrimp
- 1 lb. of Crab meat
- 2 cups of Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 cup of Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Breadcrumbs for topping (optional)
Directions
- Cook macaroni noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, and continue to stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Gruyère and Cheddar cheese to the sauce, mixing until melted and smooth. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni, shrimp, and crab.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, and top with breadcrumbs if desired.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Seafood Mac and Cheese!
How to Serve Seafood Mac and Cheese
Serve Seafood Mac and Cheese hot right out of the oven. It pairs well with a light salad or some crusty bread. For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving.
How to Store Seafood Mac and Cheese
To store leftover Seafood Mac and Cheese, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Seafood Mac and Cheese
- Make sure the shrimp are peeled and deveined before cooking.
- Use fresh seafood for the best taste, but frozen works too if you thaw it properly.
- If you like a little crunch, consider adding more breadcrumbs on top.
- Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors!
Variation
You can customize your Seafood Mac and Cheese by adding vegetables like spinach or peas. You could also swap out the shrimp and crab for other seafood options like scallops or lobster.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy cheese sauce and tender seafood make it appealing to kids, especially if they enjoy mac and cheese.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Don’t Miss These Tasty Dinner Recipes
- Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- How to Make Air Fryer Hot Chicken and Cheese Wraps in Just 15 Minutes!
Seafood Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Pasta and Seafood
- 1 lb Macaroni noodles
- 1 bag Jumbo Shrimp Peeled and deveined
- 1 lb Crab meat
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- Breadcrumbs for topping (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook macaroni noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, and continue to stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Gruyère and Cheddar cheese to the sauce, mixing until melted and smooth. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni, shrimp, and crab.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, and top with breadcrumbs if desired.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
Serving
- Serve hot and enjoy your Seafood Mac and Cheese!
