Treat your taste buds to a delightful culinary experience with our Seafood Mac and Cheese recipe. This indulgent twist on the classic macaroni and cheese combines tender seafood with rich, creamy cheese sauce to create a dish that's sure to impress your family and friends. In this article, we'll guide you through preparing this delectable seafood mac and cheese, perfect for special occasions or a gourmet weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, crab, and scallops)
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cooking the Macaroni:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Seafood:
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the mixed seafood and cook until they are just opaque and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 2-3 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the whole milk, continuing to whisk to prevent lumps from forming.
- Cook the mixture until it thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat and stir in 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it's fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Assembling the Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cooked seafood, and the cheese sauce. Gently mix to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Baking:
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Serving:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of our Seafood Mac and Cheese, a dish that marries the goodness of seafood with the classic comfort of mac and cheese. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply satisfy your own cravings, this recipe is a surefire way to elevate your dining experience. Enjoy!