Seafood Mac and Cheese 

         I can recall one time in college I was not feeling well. My roommate had gone home for the weekend and when she returned she had brought me something to make me feel better. Oh Boy!  She really was correct on that guess! She knew that I loved seafood of all kinds. She also knew that I could eat macaroni and cheese like the world was going to end. What she brought back to me that weekend, changed my life forever!!

            Macaroni and cheese is that run home for comforting food, it goes perfect with everything. And it is so versatile there is no end to the additions you can make to change it up.

I know not everyone eats seafood the way I do, I understand that.

This is one of those times when I tell you to choose your favorite seafood and add it to the macaroni and cheese and bake it up to a nice creamy dish that will delight!

Frequently Asked Questions:

            Can I leave the breadcrumbs off?

Yes, the breadcrumbs do not have to be on the top. They give the macaroni and cheese a little crunch.

            Do I have to use lobster or shrimp?

No, this is what I added, so that is what I included in the recipe. If you prefer Tuna or scallops go ahead and add those instead.

            What is the best cheese for Macaroni and Cheese?

I prefer using a Gruyere and a mild cheddar.

            How long will the Macaroni and Cheese last?

It will last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Keep it in an airtight container and all is good.

            Can this be frozen?

You could definitely keep it in the freezer. Be aware, however, that when thawed it could curdle due to the dairy in the recipe.

 What do you need to make Seafood Mac and Cheese

            8 ounces of cooked shrimp

            8 ounces of crab meat or lobster meat

            16 ounces elbow macaroni

            6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

            ½ onion, chopped

            2 tsp minced garlic

            2 ½ cups of milk

            ½ cup Panko bread crumbs

            ½ cup heavy cream

            ⅓ cup flour

            Salt and pepper to taste

            1 tsp Seafood seasoning

            ⅛ tsp nutmeg

            ½ tsp paprika

            1 cup grated parmesan cheese

            1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

            2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded

How to make Seafood Mac and Cheese           

FIRST STEP:

Preheat the oven to 350*

Cook the macaroni according to package directions, to al dente

SECOND STEP:

In a small bowl, put in the Panko bread crumbs and 2 tbsp of melted butter, stir to mix well

Put the remaining butter into a saucepan on medium heat and add the onions, cook until the onions are soft

a)

b)

THIRD STEP:

Add garlic to the pan, saute for another 30 seconds

Add the flour and whisk to combine

FOURTH STEP:

Using the whisk, slowly add in the milk and the heavy cream and all the seasonings

a)

b)

c)

Add the cheeses to the sauce and continue to whisk until the cheese are completely melted

FIFTH STEP:

Stir the seafood of choice into the cheese mixture

Pour the cheese mix over the cooked elbow macaroni and stir to combine well

SIXTH STEP:

Sprinkle with the bread crumbs

Bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly

a)

b)

Enjoy!