If there’s ever a dish that’ll make your dinner table feel like a celebration, it’s Seafood Mac and Cheese! Imagine lush, gooey cheese sauce swirled around tender pasta, with sweet shrimp and rich crab mingling in every forkful. It’s comfort food with a hint of elegance, surely to become your new family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to something decadent, this Seafood Mac and Cheese brings a touch of the coast right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of thoughtfully selected ingredients, you’ll create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each component of this dish brings something special, from the creamy dairy base to the savory seafood and that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Elbow macaroni (8 ounces): The classic noodle shape that holds onto every bit of luscious cheese sauce.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Creates a rich foundation for the roux, giving the sauce its silky texture.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the cheese sauce for perfect creaminess.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Adds richness without being too heavy, forming the backbone of the sauce.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Brings a decadent, velvety finish to the mac and cheese.
- Old Bay seasoning (1 teaspoon): The secret zing that turns a classic mac into a dreamy seafood dish.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds savory depth and warmth to the sauce.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts flavor with a subtle, aromatic note.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and rounding out the flavors.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): The main cheese for bold, tangy flavor and melty texture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Gives the sauce stretch and a touch of creamy mildness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): For a salty-savory punch and extra depth.
- Cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped (1/2 pound): Delicate yet succulent, perfect for mac and cheese.
- Lump crab meat, picked over for shells (1/2 pound): Sweet, briny, and melt-in-the-mouth delicious—choose the best you can find.
- Chopped parsley (1 tablespoon, optional for garnish): Adds color and a fresh pop at the end.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional topping): The crunch factor for topping, especially when combined with butter.
- Melted butter (1 tablespoon, optional for topping): Helps those breadcrumbs toast up golden and crisp.
How to Make Seafood Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—always a good way to get ahead. Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions, but be sure to stop at al dente. This means the pasta will still have a gentle bite after baking and won’t turn mushy. Drain and set aside once done—this part comes together quickly, so keep an eye on your timer!
Step 2: Build the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it bubbles gently. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly to form a roux. This cooks out any raw flour taste—about 1 to 2 minutes will do. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth and glossy, then add the Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens a bit, about 5 minutes. This is the moment your kitchen starts to smell absolutely amazing!
Step 3: Melt the Cheeses
Turn the heat to low and, a handful at a time, add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir patiently and watch as the cheeses melt together into a gorgeous, creamy sauce. This is what sets Seafood Mac and Cheese apart—a blend of flavors, rich and smooth, that will hug every noodle and bit of seafood.
Step 4: Fold in Pasta and Seafood
Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, then add your shrimp and lump crab meat. Mix with care so the delicate seafood keeps its shape. Each bite will have that magical mix of cheesy pasta and succulent seafood—exactly what you’re after for true comfort food bliss.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If you love a crunchy topping (who doesn’t?), toss the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the sides are bubbling and the top is as golden as a beach sunset. Finish with fresh parsley and let everyone dig into the bubbling, cheesy masterpiece you just created.
How to Serve Seafood Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
Nothing completes Seafood Mac and Cheese quite like a sprinkle of vibrant green parsley. It not only adds a fresh, herbal lift but makes each serving look truly inviting. You can also try a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a pop of smoked paprika for color and aroma.
Side Dishes
Because Seafood Mac and Cheese is so rich and satisfying, pair it with a light, crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette. Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or even a simple plate of steamed vegetables are also lovely choices to balance the creaminess and add a touch of crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests (or just treat yourself!), serve individual portions in small cast iron skillets or ramekins. For a more festive touch at a party, try spooning the mac and cheese into seashell-shaped bowls. Hosting a buffet? Keep the dish warm in a chafing dish and let everyone help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Seafood Mac and Cheese tightly and refrigerate within two hours of baking. It will keep well for up to 3 days—a deliciously easy option for lunch or a quick dinner later in the week. Just be sure to use an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh and the pasta moist.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It holds up best without the breadcrumb topping, which can be added fresh after thawing and before reheating. Frozen Seafood Mac and Cheese can be stored for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture. Add a splash of milk or cream before warming to revive that creamy, dreamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other seafood besides shrimp and crab?
Absolutely! This recipe is dazzling with lobster chunks or scallops in place of, or mixed with, shrimp and crab. Just be sure the seafood is cooked and properly drained before adding it to the sauce.
How spicy is the finished dish?
Seafood Mac and Cheese gets its classic flavor from Old Bay—more zesty than spicy. If you enjoy a kick, try stirring in a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce before baking.
Can this be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Make sure your panko breadcrumbs (if using) are gluten-free as well.
How can I keep the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
The trick is to heat the sauce gently, melting the cheese gradually over low heat. Avoid boiling once the cheese is added—this helps keep everything velvety smooth and prevents separation.
Is it possible to prep Seafood Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day ahead (just hold off on the breadcrumb topping). Cover and refrigerate, then add the topping before baking. You may need an extra few minutes in the oven if it’s going in cold.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about creamy, decadent Seafood Mac and Cheese that captures the spirit of sharing good food with people you love. Whether it’s for a special occasion or your next cozy night in, give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients can create so much flavor and joy on one plate!
Print
Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese. Loaded with shrimp, crab meat, and a blend of gooey cheeses, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seafood:
- 1/2 pound cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour to make a roux, then gradually whisk in milk and cream. Add seasonings and simmer until thickened. Stir in cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Combine ingredients: Gently fold in the cooked macaroni, shrimp, and crab meat until well combined.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumb mixture if desired. Bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute shrimp or crab with scallops or lobster.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- This dish can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
