Seafood Mac and Cheese

Seafood mac and cheese is a creamy and decadent twist on the classic dish. Here’s a delicious recipe for you to try:

Table of Contents

For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
For the Seafood:
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked crab meat (or lobster, if desired)
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional)

For Topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, cooking until the mixture thickens and is smooth.
- Stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard (if using).
Combine:
- Add the cooked macaroni, shrimp, crab meat, and peas (if using) to the cheese sauce. Mix well to combine.
Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

Add Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
Bake:
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your rich and creamy seafood mac and cheese!

Feel free to customize the seafood based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.

Enjoy this delicious and comforting dish!