If you’re a fan of rich, creamy, and ultra-cheesy mac and cheese, then this Seafood Mac and Cheese recipe will blow you away! Packed with tender shrimp, succulent crab, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or holiday feasts, this homemade seafood mac and cheese recipe is easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Rich and Creamy – The ultimate indulgent comfort food.
✔️ Loaded with Fresh Seafood – Shrimp, crab, or even lobster for extra decadence!
✔️ Perfect for Special Occasions – A fancy yet simple dish to impress guests.
✔️ Customizable – Use your favorite cheese and seafood combinations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta & Seafood:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or shell pasta)
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled, deveined)
- ½ lb lump crab meat
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Seafood
- In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Add shrimp, garlic, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning.
- Sauté until shrimp turns pink (about 3 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Gently fold in crab meat and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute (to remove raw flour taste).
- Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and all cheeses, mixing until smooth.
4. Combine Everything
- Add cooked pasta and seafood into the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- Pour mixture into a buttered 9x13 baking dish.
5. Prepare the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, and Old Bay seasoning.
- Sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
6. Bake & Serve
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Seafood Mac and Cheese
✅ Use high-quality cheese – A blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan creates the best flavor.
✅ Don’t overcook the seafood – Shrimp and crab should be just tender to avoid rubbery texture.
✅ Add a spicy kick – Sprinkle red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a little heat.
✅ Try different seafood – Lobster, scallops, or even smoked salmon work beautifully!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
2. What’s the Best Cheese for Seafood Mac and Cheese?
A mix of cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan gives the perfect creamy and slightly nutty flavor.
3. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C).
4. Can I Freeze Seafood Mac and Cheese?
Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts: A Creamy, Cheesy Seafood Delight
This Seafood Mac and Cheese is the perfect dish for seafood lovers who crave comfort food with a gourmet touch. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner, holidays, or special occasions, this dish will be a crowd-pleaser every time.
So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to the best homemade seafood mac and cheese today! 🦐🦀🧀
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