Mac And Cheese With Lobster And Crab
If you're looking for a decadent and indulgent meal, look no further than mac and cheese with lobster and crab. This dish adds a twist to the classic comfort food by incorporating seafood to make it even more delicious. In this article, we'll dive into the history of mac and cheese, the benefits of incorporating lobster and crab into the dish, and provide a step-by-step recipe so you can make it at home.
The History Of Mac And Cheese
Mac and cheese is a beloved staple in many households and has been for centuries. It's believed that mac and cheese first came to America via Thomas Jefferson after he had encountered the dish in Italy. The dish was originally called "macaroni and cheese" and was typically made with elbow macaroni and cheddar cheese. During the Great Depression, mac and cheese became even more popular due to its affordability and ease of preparation.
Today, there are countless variations of mac and cheese, including adding bacon, jalapeños, and even lobster and crab.
The Benefits Of Adding Lobster And Crab To Mac And Cheese
When you add lobster and crab to mac and cheese, you're not only making the dish even more delicious, but you're also adding valuable nutrients. Lobster is an excellent source of protein and contains high levels of zinc, phosphorus, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. Crab is also high in protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12 and selenium.
Additionally, lobster and crab add a unique texture to the dish that complements the creamy mac and cheese perfectly.
How To Make Mac And Cheese With Lobster And Crab
Now for the fun part - actually making the mac and cheese with lobster and crab! Here's what you'll need:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup cooked lobster meat
- 1 cup cooked crab meat
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Cook your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions.
3. In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until combined. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Slowly add the milk to the saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the garlic powder, white pepper, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, and salt. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens.
5. Add the cheddar and Gruyere cheese to the saucepan and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Add the cooked lobster and crab meat to the saucepan and stir until combined.
7. In a separate bowl, mix together the Panko breadcrumbs and melted butter.
8. Combine the cooked macaroni with the sauce and pour into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top of the mac and cheese.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mac and cheese is heated through.
Conclusion
Mac and cheese with lobster and crab is a delicious twist on a classic dish that's sure to impress your family and friends. By adding these seafood favorites, you're not only making the dish more flavorful, but you're also adding valuable nutrients. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a decadent and indulgent meal!
