Table of Contents
Introduction
If you’re a classic mac and cheese fan, this seafood mac n cheese recipe is here to blow your mind. Combining succulent crab, tender shrimp, and creamy cheese sauce, this dish is perfect for seafood lovers seeking the ultimate comfort food. The twist of adding seafood to traditional mac and cheese makes it ideal for special occasions or a cozy weeknight meal at home. The blend of Old Bay and Cajun seasonings enhances the seafood flavors, turning an ordinary casserole into something extraordinary. Let’s dive into how to create this rich, delicious seafood mac n cheese!
Recipe Card
Recipe Name: Baked Seafood Mac n Cheese
Description: A luxurious take on classic mac and cheese, featuring crab, shrimp, and a rich, cheesy sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 521 kcal (per serving)
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or cellentani pasta
- 5 tablespoons butter (4 for cheese sauce, 1 for seafood)
- 8 oz lump crab meat
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning (optional)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2-3 cups milk (start with 2 and add more if needed)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan Reggiano cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil water in a large pot, add a pinch of salt, and cook the pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Seafood: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp chunks, Old Bay, and Cajun seasoning (if using). Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Add the crab meat, stir briefly, then remove from heat. Set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large pot, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking until it reaches a light golden color. Gradually pour 2 cups of milk, followed by the heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese, if using, until melted and creamy. Season with onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste, stirring to blend the flavors. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in an additional 1/2 cup of milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine: Fold the cooked pasta and seafood mixture into the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated. Stir until everything is well-coated.
- Bake: Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray, pour the seafood mac n cheese mixture into it, and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dish is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
Notes
- Cheese Options: Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan are recommended but feel free to substitute with other cheeses if desired.
- For the Creamiest Texture: Shred your cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties. Block cheese melts smoother.
- Shrimp Size: For baby shrimp, cutting into chunks may not be necessary.
- Dish Choice: A 9×13 pan works well, but for an extra bubbling effect, use an 8×8 dish with a sheet pan underneath.
- Serving Fresh: This seafood mac n cheese is best served fresh. To keep warm for guests, keep it in the oven on low.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 521 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 162mg
- Sodium: 721mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Why You’ll Love This Baked Seafood Mac n Cheese
- Creamy and Indulgent: With a rich cheese sauce that coats every bite, this seafood mac n cheese is ultra-comforting.
- Elevates Traditional Mac and Cheese: The addition of crab and shrimp transforms this classic dish into something special.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Great for holiday dinners, gatherings, or any time you want to impress.
- Bold Flavor: The Old Bay and Cajun seasonings add complexity to the dish, perfectly complementing the seafood.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance, then pop it in the oven before serving.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions for Seafood Mac n Cheese
- Seafood (Crab and Shrimp): Fresh seafood works best, but frozen will do in a pinch. Use quality crab meat and shrimp for the best results.
- Cheese Selection: Sharp cheddar is essential for a tangy flavor, while mozzarella adds a creamy stretch, and Parmesan brings depth. Try adding Gouda or Gruyère for a smoky note.
- Seasonings: Old Bay is a must for that classic seafood flavor, and Cajun seasoning adds an optional kick.
How to Make Seafood Mac n Cheese (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Cook the pasta to al dente. This helps it hold up during baking without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Sauté the Seafood
Melt butter and season the shrimp and crab. This step infuses the seafood with flavor before mixing it with the cheese sauce.
Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce
Whisk butter and flour to make a roux, then gradually add milk and cream for a smooth, thick sauce. Melt in the cheeses until silky and rich.
Step 4: Mix and Bake
Combine pasta, seafood, and cheese sauce, then bake until golden and bubbly.
Expert Tips for Perfect Seafood Mac n Cheese
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts best. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that may affect texture.
- Cook the Seafood Properly: Sauté shrimp just until pink; overcooked seafood can turn rubbery.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Overbaking can cause the cheese sauce to break, so bake just until it’s golden.
Variations and Customizations for Seafood Mac n Cheese
- Add Spice: For a spicy seafood mac, include extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of cayenne.
- Herby Twist: Add minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley for an aromatic boost.
- Lighter Option: Use reduced-fat cheeses and swap heavy cream for a milk alternative to lighten it up.
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Seafood Mac n Cheese
- To Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, serve seafood mac n cheese with:
- Green Side Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette complements the richness.
- Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for scooping up every cheesy bite.
- Steamed Veggies: Asparagus, green beans, or broccoli add freshness and color.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When do you add seafood to mac and cheese?
Whenever you feel like it! Adding seafood makes mac and cheese extra special. To keep seafood from overcooking, it’s best to sauté separately, then add it just before baking.
Can I use other types of seafood?
Yes! Lobster, scallops, or any favorite seafood can be swapped in for a luxurious variation.
What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
Substitute with a blend of celery salt, paprika, and black pepper, or use Cajun or Creole seasoning.
Related Recipes
For more indulgent, comforting dishes, try these:
- Lobster Mac and Cheese: This upscale version of mac and cheese combines chunks of tender lobster with a creamy, buttery cheese sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or when you’re craving something indulgent, Lobster Mac and Cheese is a crowd-pleaser that takes comfort food to a luxurious level.
- Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Bake: A delightful blend of creamy Alfredo sauce and juicy shrimp, this pasta bake is an easy way to enjoy the flavors of a classic Alfredo with a satisfying twist. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a dish that’s rich in flavor yet simple to prepare, ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
- Creamy Crab Dip: Perfect as an appetizer or snack, this Creamy Crab Dip combines lump crab meat with a blend of cheeses and spices, creating a rich and flavorful dip. Serve it with toasted baguette slices or crackers, and watch it disappear quickly at any gathering!
Conclusion
Seafood mac n cheese is a decadent twist on a beloved comfort food. With its rich, cheesy sauce and perfectly seasoned crab and shrimp, it’s a dish that’s both indulgent and impressive. Whether for a holiday dinner, a gathering, or just a night when you want something extraordinary,
this recipe will deliver. Try it, and discover how seafood transforms mac and cheese into a luxurious meal!
Baked Seafood Mac n Cheese
A luxurious take on classic mac and cheese, featuring crab, shrimp, and a rich, cheesy sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection.
Servings: 6
Calories: 521kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or cellentani pasta
- 5 tablespoons butter 4 for cheese sauce, 1 for seafood
- 8 oz lump crab meat
- 1 pound raw shrimp peeled, deveined, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning optional
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2-3 cups milk (start with 2 and add more if needed)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan Reggiano cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese optional for extra creaminess
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil water in a large pot, add a pinch of salt, and cook the pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Seafood: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp chunks, Old Bay, and Cajun seasoning (if using). Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Add the crab meat, stir briefly, then remove from heat. Set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large pot, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking until it reaches a light golden color. Gradually pour 2 cups of milk, followed by the heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese, if using, until melted and creamy. Season with onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste, stirring to blend the flavors. If the sauce is too thick, add an extra 1/2 cup of milk.
- Combine: Fold the cooked pasta and seafood mixture into the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated. Stir until everything is well-coated.
- Bake: Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray, pour the seafood mac n cheese mixture into it, and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Notes
- Cheese Options: Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan are recommended but feel free to substitute with other cheeses if desired.
- For the Creamiest Texture: Shred your cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties. Block cheese melts smoother.
- Shrimp Size: For baby shrimp, cutting into chunks may not be necessary.
- Dish Choice: A 9×13 pan works well, but for an extra bubbling effect, use an 8×8 dish with a sheet pan underneath.
- Serving Fresh: This seafood mac n cheese is best served fresh. To keep warm for guests, keep it in the oven on low.