Mac and cheese is a famously comforting meal that can make any day better. A big bowl of creamy and cheese macaroni can lift my spirits any day, no matter what’s happening in my life. However, I must admit that it’s not the most sophisticated meal. It doesn’t boast a whole lot of nutrients or protein.
What if we can change that? This seafood mac and cheese recipe takes a fan favorite from simple to complex. The combination of flavors will bring out your inner food critic. Finally, the abundance of seafood will make for a protein-rich meal that is not only delicious, but also good for you.
How to make Seafood Mac and Cheese?
Preheat the oven to 350 F degrees.
Prepare your seafood for cooking.
Cook the macaroni.
Place the macaroni in a mixing bowl and add sour cream.
Stir the mixture together.
Add crab meat and stir.
Chop some green onion, and grate white cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Set aside.
Melt butter in a skillet and add some shrimps.
Remove cooked shrimps from the skillet, cut up, and add to the macaroni.
Add your chopped onions to the skillet and sauté.
Add some flour to the skillet, mix it with the onions, and cook for 1 minute.
Add milk and let it thicken.
Start adding the cheddar cheese and keep stirring.
Pour the resulting mixture over the macaroni and stir.
Season with salt and pepper.
Butter a baking dish.
Place your macaroni mixture into the baking dish.
Sprinkle mozzarella on top.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
Sprinkle paprika on top.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Serve immediately!
What seafood should I add to my mac and cheese?
I usually add seafood that is easy to find, such as shrimp, prawn, and crab meat. You can add anything you can think of. If you have access to some higher-end seafood, like lobster, octopus, and squid, all will make a great addition to this pasta dish.
How can I make my mac and cheese creamier?
If you like your mac and cheese on the creamier side, you’re not alone. You can make this recipe creamier by adding more milk. Play with it and figure out how much milk you need. If you’ve made mac and cheese before, just do what you always do.
Can I substitute the seafood with chicken?
Certainly! It wouldn’t be seafood mac and cheese anymore, but it would probably be just as delicious. You can pick a protein of your choice. If you’re using chicken, make sure it’s completely cooked through when you take it out of the oven.