Seafood Mac And Cheese With Shrimp And Crab
Are you looking for a delicious and unique twist on traditional mac and cheese? Look no further than seafood mac and cheese with shrimp and crab! This creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious dish is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
The Ingredients You'll Need
To make this mouthwatering dish, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound cooked crab meat
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Make sure to thaw and cook your seafood according to the package instructions before adding it to the dish.
How to Make Seafood Mac And Cheese with Shrimp And Crab
Now that you have all of your ingredients ready, it's time to start cooking! Follow these steps to make seafood mac and cheese with shrimp and crab:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.
- Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
- Add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the cooked shrimp and crab meat.
- Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese and seafood mixture, stirring until well coated.
- Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Enjoy your delicious and creamy seafood mac and cheese with shrimp and crab!
Variations and Substitutions
If you want to switch up this recipe, here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:
- Use a different type of cheese or a combination of cheeses, such as Gouda, fontina, or pepper jack.
- Instead of macaroni, use another type of pasta such as penne, bowtie, or rotini.
- Try adding other types of seafood, such as scallops, lobster, or clams.
- Add some vegetables to the dish, such as spinach, broccoli, or roasted red peppers.
- Make it spicy by adding some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make this dish your own!
Conclusion
Seafood mac and cheese with shrimp and crab is a delicious and unique twist on traditional mac and cheese. With its creamy, cheesy, and seafood-filled goodness, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Make sure to follow the recipe carefully and don't be afraid to try out different variations and substitutions to make it your own!
