Creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese – A Decadent Comfort Food Classic!

If you love rich, creamy, and cheesy comfort food, this Seafood Mac and Cheese is about to become your new favorite dish! Made with tender shrimp, succulent crab meat, and a velvety cheese sauce, this recipe is pure indulgence.

The combination of buttery seafood and gooey melted cheese creates an irresistible depth of flavor, making this dish perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home. And the best part? You can customize it with your favorite seafood, whether it’s lobster, scallops, or even salmon!

This easy-to-make mac and cheese is more than just a meal—it’s a taste of the coast in every bite. The creamy, cheesy goodness paired with juicy seafood brings back memories of ocean breezes and sandy beaches.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a seafood lover’s dream meal, or even a holiday gathering, this Seafood Mac and Cheese is sure to impress. Grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this cheesy, seafood-infused delight!

• Try this too:
• Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
• Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups of dry Macaroni
• 6 oz. Claw Crab Meat
• 8 oz. Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz. Sour Cream
• 4 Tablespoons Butter
• 2 Tablespoons Flour
• 1 Spring Onion
• 1 can Evaporated Milk
• 8 oz. block Sharp White Cheddar Cheese
• 4 oz. block Mozzarella Cheese
• ¼ cup Panko Bread Crumbs
• Salt, Black Pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1 ) Preheat oven to 350°, and peel and de-vein shrimp if needed. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain well, and place drained macaroni in a large mixing bowl.

2 ) Add the sour cream, and stir together well, until all noodles are coated. Add the crab meat, stir well, and Finely chop the green onion. Set Aside. Grate the white cheddar cheese. Set aside, and grate the mozzarella cheese. Set aside.

3 ) Melt the butter in a medium saucepan or skillet. Add the shrimp, and turn and stir the shrimp until lightly done. Remove shrimp from pan. Chop slightly when cooled. Add to the macaroni mixture, and add the finely chopped onions to the saucepan, sauté until tender.

4 ) Sprinkle flour over onions and mix well. Let cook and brown for about one minute, then slowly add the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken. Gradually add the grated Cheddar Cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts.

5 ) Pour the cheese mixture over the macaroni and seafood mixture. Stir well to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste, and place the mixture in a well-buttered baking dish. Sprinkle top with grated mozzarella cheese, and sprinkle bread crumbs on top of the mozzarella cheese, and don’t forget to sprinkle lightly with Paprika, to add color.

6 ) Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly browned on top. Serve warm and Enjoy!

Notes: Use your favorite combinations of seafood to make this dish. If you like your mac and cheese a little creamier, add another half cup of milk to the recipe when adding the evaporated milk.

 

• PRODUCTS WE RECOMMEND:
• => All-Clad Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan
• => AmazonBasics Pre-Seasoned
• => Aluminum Nonstick Frying Pan

Pro Tips for the Best Seafood Mac and Cheese

Use High-Quality Cheese – A mix of cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan creates a rich, creamy sauce with the best flavor. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.

Cook Seafood Lightly – Shrimp and crab cook quickly, so add them towards the end to prevent overcooking and keep them tender.

Use a Combination of Seafood – Mix in lobster, scallops, or even salmon for added depth of flavor.

Season Well – Seafood needs a little extra seasoning. Add Old Bay, smoked paprika, garlic powder, or a pinch of cayenne for a bold, flavorful mac and cheese.

Use Heavy Cream for Extra Creaminess – For the silkiest sauce, combine heavy cream and whole milk instead of just milk.

Toast Your Breadcrumbs – If using a breadcrumb topping, toast them first with butter for extra crunch and golden color.

Let It Rest Before Serving – Giving the mac and cheese 5 minutes to cool before serving allows the sauce to thicken and coat the pasta better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Seafood Mac and Cheese

1. What is the best seafood to use in mac and cheese?

• Shrimp and crab are classic choices, but you can also use lobster, scallops, crawfish, or even salmon for a delicious twist.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• Yes! Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake until hot and bubbly.

3. Can I use frozen seafood?

• Absolutely! Just thaw it completely and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before adding it to the dish.

4. How do I keep the mac and cheese creamy?

• Use whole milk, heavy cream, and high-quality cheese, and don’t overbake it. Adding a little cream cheese can also help maintain a smooth texture.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?

• Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute cornstarch for flour in the cheese sauce. If using breadcrumbs, choose a gluten-free variety.

6. What kind of pasta works best?

• Elbow macaroni is traditional, but cavatappi, shells, or penne work well because they hold onto the creamy sauce.

7. How do I prevent the cheese from becoming grainy?

• Avoid overheating the cheese sauce. Remove from heat before adding cheese and stir gently until melted.

8. Can I add vegetables to this mac and cheese?

• Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers pair well with seafood mac and cheese.

9. How long does seafood mac and cheese last?

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk.

10. Can I freeze seafood mac and cheese?

• Yes, but it’s best frozen before baking. Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

• Check out these too:
• Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Snickerdoodles