Description
This Seafood Mac & Cheese Bake elevates the classic comfort food to a gourmet level with a medley of succulent seafood. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s a show-stopping dish perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave an indulgent meal. The combination of shrimp, crab, and crawfish, blended with a rich cheese sauce, creates an unforgettable culinary experience.
Ingredients:
→ Pasta
- 1 pound macaroni noodles
→ Cheeses
- 454 grams Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
- 907 grams Colby Jack cheese, shredded
→ Dairy & Sauces
- 710 milliliters heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
→ Seafood
- 1 bag jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 can lump crab meat, drained
- 1 bag crawfish tails, thawed and rinsed
→ Seasonings
- 3 teaspoons Kinder’s Seafood Blend
- 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons Accent flavor enhancer
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: In a saucepan over low heat, combine heavy whipping cream, cream of chicken soup, and cubed Velveeta cheese.
Step 2: Stir continuously until cheese melts and sauce becomes smooth.
Step 3: Add Kinder’s Seafood Blend, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, Accent, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to incorporate seasonings into the mixture.
Step 4: Boil macaroni noodles in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and transfer to a large baking dish.
Step 5: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add crawfish tails and a pinch of seafood seasoning. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, then remove from pan and set aside.
Step 6: Add a small amount of butter to the skillet. Gently warm lump crab meat, seasoning lightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 7: Season shrimp with seafood blend. Sauté in a skillet with a touch of butter, or cook in an air fryer until opaque and just cooked through.
Step 8: Pour half of the prepared cheese sauce over the macaroni noodles in the baking dish. Add a portion of shredded Colby Jack cheese and stir until combined.
Step 9: Arrange sautéed crawfish tails, warmed crab meat, and cooked shrimp evenly over the macaroni mixture.
Step 10: Pour the remaining cheese sauce evenly over the seafood. Sprinkle remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese and garnish with extra crawfish tails and chopped parsley.
Step 11: Bake in a preheated oven at 177°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and top is lightly golden.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This recipe transforms ordinary mac & cheese into a decadent, seafood-studded masterpiece. The creamy sauce perfectly complements the sweet, briny flavors of the shrimp, crab, and crawfish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make, offering an impressive dish without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main course.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Garnish with extra chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added visual appeal and a touch of heat.
- Serve with garlic bread to soak up all of the delicious cheese sauce!
Tips:
- Ensure shrimp are fully thawed and deveined prior to cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to personal taste.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheese along with the Colby Jack.
- To prevent the macaroni from drying out during baking, cover the dish with foil for the first 10 minutes and then remove for the remaining time.
- Feel free to substitute other seafood like lobster or scallops based on your preferences and availability.
Preparation Time:
25 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
50 minutes
Nutrition Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 650-750 per serving
- Protein: 40-50 grams
- Sodium: 800-1000 mg
Conclusion
This Seafood Mac & Cheese Bake is a delightful twist on a classic dish that’s sure to impress. Its rich flavors, creamy texture, and beautiful presentation make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy the symphony of seafood and cheese in every bite!
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
Q2: What other types of cheese can I use? A: You can substitute cheeses such as Gruyere, sharp cheddar, or even a smoked Gouda for a different flavor profile.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. When you’re ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Q4: Is there a substitute for the cream of chicken soup? A: Yes, you can use cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup as a substitute. You can also make a béchamel sauce from scratch as a healthier alternative.
Q5: Can I add vegetables to this recipe? A: Absolutely! Vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or sautéed mushrooms would complement the seafood and cheese flavors nicely. Just add them along with the seafood in step 9.
