Mac And Cheese With Shrimp And Crab Meat
Mac and Cheese is a timeless classic, and adding shrimp and crab meat takes it to a new level of deliciousness. This comforting dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it be a family gathering or a cozy night in. With a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can make a Mac and Cheese with Shrimp and Crab Meat that is sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you'll need the following:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Fontina cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 cup shrimp, cooked and peeled
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Instructions
Here are the steps to make this delicious dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
- Slowly add the milk and cream, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, and whisk until combined.
- Turn the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
- Add the shredded cheddar, Fontina, and Parmesan cheese, and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni, shrimp, and crab meat to the sauce and stir until everything is well-coated.
- Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and chopped parsley.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works for several reasons. First, the combination of cheddar, Fontina, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and flavorful sauce that complements the seafood perfectly. Second, the breadcrumbs and parsley topping adds a nice crunch and freshness to the dish. Third, the use of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika adds extra depth of flavor to the sauce. Finally, the use of both shrimp and crab meat gives the dish a variety of textures and flavors that make it a standout.
Conclusion
Mac and Cheese with Shrimp and Crab Meat is a perfect dish for seafood lovers. The combination of creamy cheese sauce with succulent shrimp and crab meat is irresistible. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking for a comforting meal, this dish is sure to impress.
