Mac And Cheese With Crab Meat And Shrimp
Mac and cheese is a classic American dish that has been enjoyed by many generations. It's creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. But, have you ever tried adding seafood to this beloved dish? If not, you're in for a treat. Mac and cheese with crab meat and shrimp is a delicious and nutritious twist on the traditional mac and cheese.
Why Add Seafood?
Seafood is known for its health benefits. Crab meat and shrimp are both high in protein and low in fat, making them an excellent addition to this dish. Crab meat is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. Shrimp is a good source of selenium, which plays a role in the immune system and thyroid function. Adding seafood to your mac and cheese not only adds a delicious flavor but also provides nutritional value.
Ingredients
To make mac and cheese with crab meat and shrimp, you'll need:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Monterey jack cheese
- 1 pound lump crab meat
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions.
3. In a separate pan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
4. Add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and whisk until smooth.
5. Gradually add 2 cups of whole milk and continue whisking until the sauce thickens.
6. Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard, and salt and pepper to taste.
7. Stir in 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese and 1 cup of grated Monterey jack cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Add 1 pound of lump crab meat and 1/2 pound of shrimp to the sauce and stir until combined.
9. Drain the cooked macaroni and add it to the sauce, stirring until well coated.
10. Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.
11. In a separate bowl, mix 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
12. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese.
13. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect mac and cheese with crab meat and shrimp:
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Be sure to drain the cooked macaroni well to avoid a watery sauce.
- Take care not to overcook the shrimp, as it can become tough and rubbery.
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer.
- If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs will work just fine.
Conclusion
Mac and cheese with crab meat and shrimp is a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic mac and cheese. This dish is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. It's perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. Give it a try and see for yourself why seafood and mac and cheese make the perfect combination.
