Lobster Crab And Shrimp Baked Macaroni And Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is already a classic comfort food, but have you ever tried it with lobster, crab, and shrimp? This dish takes the traditional mac and cheese recipe up a notch and adds a delicious seafood twist that you won't be able to resist. Not only is it tasty, but it's also easy to make, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 1 cup cooked crab meat, chopped
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour until smooth, then cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, continuing to stir until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) and stir to combine.
4. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Add the cooked macaroni, chopped lobster, crab, and shrimp to the saucepan, stir well to combine.
6. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a large baking dish, then sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving hot.
Tips:
- If you don't have access to fresh seafood, canned seafood will work just fine.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of seasoning to taste.
- If you're short on time, you can skip the baking step and serve the mac and cheese straight from the stovetop.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Overall, this lobster, crab, and shrimp baked mac and cheese recipe is sure to be a hit with seafood lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike. Give it a try and let us know how you like it!