Seafood Mac and Cheese

Seafood Mac and Cheese is a luxurious twist on the classic comfort food, combining tender macaroni with succulent shrimp and crab meat in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Topped with a crispy layer of Panko bread crumbs and mozzarella, this dish is perfect for seafood lovers looking to indulge in a rich, flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups 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, finely chopped
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 8 oz. block sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
• 4 oz. block mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. Prepare Seafood and Macaroni:

• Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary.
• Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

1. Mix Macaroni and Sour Cream:

• Add the sour cream to the drained macaroni and stir until all the noodles are evenly coated.

1. Add Crab Meat:

• Gently fold in the crab meat until well combined.

1. Cook Shrimp:

• In a medium saucepan or skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat.
• Add the shrimp and cook, turning occasionally, until just done. Remove shrimp from the pan, chop slightly when cooled, and add to the macaroni mixture.

1. Sauté Onions and Make Cheese Sauce:

• In the same pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
• Add the finely chopped spring onion and sauté until tender.
• Sprinkle flour over the onions and cook, stirring constantly, for about one minute until lightly browned.
• Gradually add the evaporated milk, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken.
• Slowly add the grated sharp white cheddar cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

1. Combine and Season:

• Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and seafood mixture. Stir well to combine.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

1. Assemble and Bake:

• Transfer the mixture to a well-buttered baking dish.
• Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
• Sprinkle the Panko bread crumbs over the mozzarella.
• Lightly dust with paprika for color.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and bubbly.

1. Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, seafood-infused goodness of this decadent mac and cheese.

Tips:

• Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as Gruyère or Gouda for additional flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.
• Seafood Variation: Try adding other seafood like scallops or lobster for an even more luxurious dish.
• Bread Crumb Topping: For extra crunch, mix the Panko bread crumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling on top.

This Seafood Mac and Cheese brings together the best of comfort food and gourmet seafood, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion.