If you are from the coast of practically anywhere in America or the islands, then you know how good fresh crabs are! How satisfying it is to crack a leg and pull that fresh chunky meat from the shell, dip it in butter or seasoning and let it dissolve on your tongue.
Crab is such a versatile ingredient and has little to no flavor of its own, so it’s a perfect addition to really any savory dish you want to make. Our focus for today is on giving you a side dish that has the essence of summer, is super simple, and best of all; absolutely delicious.
Seafood Mac and Cheese are on the menu for today and we are super thrilled to be sharing this with all of you. We have three different types of cheese; yes three, to make this the creamiest mac and cheese you have ever had. Add in a little of Maryland’s signature seasoning; Old Bay, which gives it such a spicy, sweet, and savory flavor profile that no one can resist. Toss in some panko breadcrumbs for texture and even some shrimp.
Shrimp and crab are the stars of this dish but the cheese is definitely a close second. It has a sweet and sharp flavor from the cheese but mellowed out perfectly by adding heavy cream. The taste buds will be begging for more Seafood Mac and Cheese.
What is in Old bay?
Old Bay was created in Maryland, USA over 100 years ago. It’s a perfect blend of herbs and spices including celery salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika and so many more! This seasoning goes best with seafood, but don’t let us stop you from trying it on everything!
Seafood Mac and Cheese is the perfect summer side dish for your guests and will be gone in a flash, so make sure to have a second dish ready to swap :-).
Here is all you need to create your Seafood Mac and Cheese
1 lb. Elbow macaroni
8 oz. Cooked shrimp cut into pieces
8 oz. Crab meat
6 Tbsp. Butter unsalted and divided
½ C. Panko bread crumbs
½ Medium onion chopped
2 tsp. Minced garlic
2 ½ C. Milk
½ C. Heavy whipping cream
⅓ C. Flour
1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
Pinch of nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
2 C. Gruyere cheese shredded
1 C. Cheddar cheese shredded
1 C. Parmesan cheese grated
½ tsp. Paprika
Let’s dive into baking your casserole
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Cook the macaroni until it is al dente, rinse and drain well.
Add 2 tbsp of melted butter to the panko bread crumbs in a small bowl, mix well to combine, and set aside.
A)
B)
Place the other 4 tbsp of butter into a saucepan over medium heat on the stove.
Add the onions to the melted butter, and cook until they begin to soften.
A)
B)
Add the garlic to the skillet, and saute another 30 seconds.
Place the flour in the skillet, and stir to combine, cooking for 1 minute.
A)
B)
Whisk the milk and heavy whipping cream into the mixture in the saucepan, and add in the Old Bay seasoning, nutmeg, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
A)
B)
C)
Continue to cook the mixture until it thickens.
Whisk the cheeses into the sauce mixture until completely melted.
A)
B)
C)
D)
F)
Stir the seafood into the cheese mixture, and cook until heated through.
A)
B)
C)
D)
Pour the cheese mixture over the macaroni and stir to combine.
A)
B)
C)
D)
Layer the macaroni in a 9×13 baking dish, and top with the bread crumb mixture.
A)
B)
Bake for 30 minutes before serving.
A)
B)
Are you giving this recipe a try?
Let us know in the comment section below!
ENJOY!
Seafood Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Elbow macaroni
- 8 oz. Cooked shrimp cut into pieces
- 8 oz. Crab meat
- 6 Tbsp. Butter unsalted and divided
- ½ C. Panko bread crumbs
- ½ Medium onion chopped
- 2 tsp. Minced garlic
- 2 ½ C. Milk
- ½ C. Heavy whipping cream
- ⅓ C. Flour
- 1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 C. Gruyere cheese shredded
- 1 C. Cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 C. Parmesan cheese grated
- ½ tsp. Paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook the macaroni until it is al dente, rinse and drain well.
- Add 2 tbsp of melted butter to the panko bread crumbs in a small bowl, mix well to combine and set aside.
- Place the other 4 tbsp of butter into a saucepan over medium heat on the stove.
- Add the onions to the melted butter, and cook until they begin to soften.
- Add the garlic into the skillet, and saute another 30 seconds.
- Place the flour in the skillet, and stir to combine, cooking for 1 minute.
- Whisk the milk and heavy whipping cream into the mixture in the saucepan, and add in the Old Bay seasoning, nutmeg, paprika and salt and pepper to taste.
- Continue to cook the mixture until it thickens
- Whisk the cheeses into the sauce mixture until completely melted.
- Stir the seafood into the cheese mixture, and cook until heated through.
- Pour the cheese mixture over the macaroni and stir to combine.
- Layer the macaroni in a 9x13 baking dish, and top with the bread crumb mixture.
- Bake for 30 minutes before serving.
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