Description
Luxurious Lobster, Crab and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese redefines seafood comfort cuisine with its rich, creamy blend of succulent shellfish and perfectly melted cheeses. Coastal flavors merge in this indulgent dish that promises a gourmet experience you won’t soon forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood and Pasta:
- 1 lb raw, deveined shrimp (tails removed)
- ½–¾ lb chopped lobster (raw or pre-steamed)
- ½–¾ lb lump crab meat
- 1 lb penne or large elbow pasta
Cheeses:
- 3 cups grated Gouda or Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 cups grated Muenster or mild Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups half & half
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1–2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1–2 tablespoons Grand Diamond All Purpose Seasoning (or your preferred all-purpose seasoning)
- 2–3 teaspoons hot sauce or Tabasco
- 1–2 teaspoons liquid crab boil (optional, for extra flavor)
- Nonstick cooking spray (optional)
Instructions
- Carefully chop the vegetables, grate the cheeses, and season the seafood (shrimp, lobster, and crab) with salt, pepper, and herbs for enhanced flavor.
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until perfectly tender but firm. Drain and lightly coat with olive oil to prevent clumping.
- Gently warm the milk and half & half in a separate pot. In a large skillet, melt butter and oil, then sauté diced onions until translucent. Sprinkle flour to create a smooth roux, add minced garlic and fresh thyme, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk the warmed dairy into the roux, creating a creamy base. Season with salt, white pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Slowly stir in of mixed cheeses until completely melted and uniform.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated with the rich, creamy mixture.
- Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish. Layer half the mac and cheese, then distribute the seasoned seafood evenly. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, then repeat the layering process.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top turns golden brown and seafood is thoroughly cooked.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving, which helps the sauce set and intensifies the flavors. Serve hot and enjoy the luxurious seafood mac and cheese.
Notes
- Carefully select fresh, high-quality seafood from local markets to elevate the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Grate cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan for a complex, rich cheese blend that melts smoothly.
- Toast breadcrumbs with herbs and butter for a crunchy golden topping that adds delightful contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
- Use cold milk and cream when making the roux to prevent lumpy sauce and ensure silky smooth consistency.
- Store leftover seafood mac and cheese in an airtight container, consuming within 2-3 days for optimal taste and food safety.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking, Boiling, Sautéing.
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 850 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1420mg
- Fat: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 30g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 275mg