Seafood Mac and Cheese

Imagine a dish that marries the luxuriousness of lobster with the sweetness of shrimp and the richness of crab, all cocooned in a velvety blanket of cheese sauce. Our Seafood Mac and Cheese is a celebration of indulgence and comfort, making it the perfect choice for a cozy dinner, a special occasion, or whenever you crave a touch of culinary opulence. Let the irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen be your guide to a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces Elbow Macaroni
• 1⁄4 cup Butter
• 1⁄2 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 3 cups Whole Milk
• 1⁄2 teaspoon Ground Mustard
• 1⁄4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
• 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• 1⁄2 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
• Parsley, for garnish
• 1 teaspoon AB’s A Rub
• 1 teaspoon Creole Kick
• 1 pound Shrimp, deveined
• 8 ounces Crab Meat
• 2 Lobster Tails

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Start by cooking the elbow macaroni until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse. Save some of the pasta water for later.
2. In a pot, melt the butter and then add the all-purpose flour. Stir it continuously to create a roux, cooking it until it’s lightly browned.
3. Gradually pour in the warmed whole milk while whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce. Allow it to simmer for 3-5 minutes to thicken.
4. Season the sauce with kosher salt, ground mustard, garlic powder, Creole Kick, AB’s A Seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if you prefer some heat). Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
5. Add the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. If the sauce gets too thick, you can thin it out with some of the reserved pasta water. Add it a little at a time until you achieve your desired consistency.
7. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring that it’s well coated with the creamy goodness.
8. Add the shrimp, crab, and lobster to the mac and cheese.
9. Serve your Seafood Mac and Cheese hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Expert Tips and Tricks:

• To enhance the seafood flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the cheese sauce.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations to find your perfect blend of creaminess and sharpness.
• For a smoky twist, try grilling the shrimp and lobster before adding them to the mac and cheese.
• Don’t overcook the seafood; aim for just enough to ensure a tender and juicy texture.

Variations:

1. Spicy Delight: Add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
2. Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or basil for an aromatic twist.
3. Bacon Bliss: Introduce bacon bits for a savory contrast to the seafood.
4. Truffle Elegance: Drizzle truffle oil over the finished dish for a touch of luxury.
5. Smoked Sensation: Use smoked cheddar for a robust, smoky flavor.
6. Veggie Fusion: Toss in sautéed vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for a veggie-packed version.
7. Panko Crunch: Top your mac and cheese with crispy panko breadcrumbs for added texture.
8. Blue Cheese Fantasy: Blend in blue cheese for a bold and tangy profile.
9. Lemon Zest Zing: Grate fresh lemon zest into the cheese sauce for a burst of citrusy freshness.
10. Cracker Crust: Create a crunchy crust by mixing crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkling it on top before baking.

What to Serve It With:

• Garlic Bread
• Caesar Salad
• Roasted Vegetables
• Crusty Baguette Slices
• Tomato Basil Bruschetta
• Grilled Asparagus
• Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice
• Green Bean Almondine
• Caprese Skewers
• Steamed Broccoli

Seafood Mac and Cheese

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Ingredients

  

• 16 oz Elbow Macaroni
• 1/4 cup Butter
• 1/2 cup All Purpose Flour
• 3 cup Whole Milk
• 1/2 tsp Ground Mustard
• 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
• Parsley, for garnish
• 1 tsp AB’s A Rub
• 1 tsp Creole Kick
• 1 lb Shrimp
• 8 oz Crab Meat
• 2 Lobster Tails

Instructions

 

• Start by cooking the elbow macaroni until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse. Save some of the pasta water for later.
• In a pot, melt the butter and then add the all-purpose flour. Stir it continuously to create a roux, cooking it until it’s lightly browned.
• Gradually pour in the warmed whole milk while whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce. Allow it to simmer for 3-5 minutes to thicken.
• Season the sauce with kosher salt, ground mustard, garlic powder, Creole Kick, AB’s A Seasoning and cayenne pepper (if you prefer some heat). Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
• Add the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
• If the sauce gets too thick, you can thin it out with some of the reserved pasta water. Add it a little at a time until you achieve your desired consistency.
• Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring that it’s well coated with the creamy goodness.
• Add the shrimp, crab and lobster to the mac and cheese.
• Serve your Seafood Mac and Cheese hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

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