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
Scale
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
