Craving something creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Seafood Mac & Cheese recipe is the ultimate indulgence, transforming a classic comfort food into a gourmet delight. We’re talking a symphony of succulent seafood, swathed in a velvety, cheesy sauce, all nestled within perfectly cooked macaroni. Prepare to have your taste buds rocked!
What is this Seafood Mac and Cheese, Anyway?
Seafood mac and cheese… Just hearing those words conjures up images of culinary bliss, doesn’t it? But have you ever stopped to wonder why it’s called “Ultimate?” Was it invented by a mac & cheese enthusiast on a quest for the perfect bite? Did it involve a secret sea-to-table rendezvous between a lobster and a cheddar block?
We might never know the true origin story. But what we do know is that this recipe takes the humble mac & cheese and elevates it to stratospheric levels with an infusion of oceanic goodness. Some say, ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ but we dare say, this seafood mac and cheese might just be the way to everyone’s heart! So, are you ready to dive in? Grab your apron and let’s make some magic!
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Mac & Cheese:
This isn’t your grandma’s mac & cheese (unless your grandma is a culinary genius!). First and foremost, the sheer luxuriousness of the seafood combined with the creamy cheese sauce is simply irresistible. Second, while it tastes like a million bucks, making it at home is surprisingly budget-friendly. You can control the quality and quantity of seafood, often saving money compared to ordering it at a restaurant. And finally, the layers of flavor – from the sweet shrimp and crab to the sharp cheddar and hint of garlic – create a truly unforgettable dish.
If you’re a fan of comfort food with a twist, you might also enjoy our spicy chorizo mac and cheese, but trust us, this seafood version is in a league of its own. Ready to ditch the restaurant and create a masterpiece in your own kitchen? Let’s get cooking!
Key Ingredients for Seafood Mac & Cheese:
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 8 oz (225 g) cooked shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 8 oz (225 g) lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
- 6 oz (170 g) cooked lobster meat, chopped (optional but amazing)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until just al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw taste.
- Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add the cheeses
- Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted.
- Season with Old Bay, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Fold in the seafood
- Gently stir in shrimp, crab, and lobster until coated in sauce.
- Combine with pasta
- Add cooked macaroni to the sauce and mix until evenly coated.
- Prepare the topping
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
- Bake
- Transfer the mac & cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over the top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest