Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of diving into a bowl of creamy, cheesy comfort with a coastal twist, Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love is an absolute must-try. Juicy shrimp and tender crab blend seamlessly with a trio of melting cheeses and a hint of Old Bay flavor, all baked to golden perfection under a crunchy, buttery topping. Each bite feels like an indulgent treat—whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply spoiling yourself. This dish is worthy of special occasions, yet it’s so easy you might just find yourself making it on a weeknight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple yet essential staples and a splash of seafood magic, this recipe comes together quickly and bursts with flavor. Every ingredient plays a key role in making Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love truly unforgettable, from the creamy base to the crisp finish.
- Elbow macaroni (12 ounces): The classic choice—holds onto cheesy sauce in every bite for that signature mac and cheese experience.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Creates a rich, flavorful base for the roux without overwhelming saltiness.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce, transforming milk and cream into velvety goodness.
- Whole milk (2½ cups): Adds smooth body and helps all the cheeses melt into creamy perfection.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): For unmatched richness and that ultra-luxurious mouthfeel.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Elevates all the flavors, keeping the sauce from getting one-note.
- Old Bay seasoning (½ teaspoon): Instantly evokes seafood shack vibes with just the right amount of coastal spice.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and depth without overpowering the seafood.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances every flavor and enhances the cheese and seafood.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a little zip to cut through the creaminess.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): The bold backbone for your cheese sauce—deep flavor and gorgeous color.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Offers beautiful stretch and mild creaminess.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Brings salty, nutty depth and that irresistible umami hit.
- Lump crab meat (8 ounces, picked): Sweet, tender, and the star of the show—adds an elegant seafood flair.
- Cooked shrimp (8 ounces, peeled, deveined, and chopped): Juicy bites that bring a pop of flavor and texture.
- Chopped green onions (¼ cup): For a fresh, oniony lift that brightens every forkful.
- Panko breadcrumbs (½ cup): Lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs for that signature golden topping.
- Olive oil or melted butter (1 tablespoon, for topping): Ensures those breadcrumbs bake up deeply golden and delicious.
How to Make Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love
Step 1: Prep the Pasta and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks later. Then, cook your elbow macaroni according to package directions until just al dente—they’ll absorb a bit more sauce as baking finishes them off, so don’t overcook. Drain them and set aside while you tackle that dreamy cheese sauce.
Step 2: Make a Velvety Cheese Sauce
Place a large saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for a minute or two, creating a smooth, lightly golden roux. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking as you go to keep everything silky—watch as it thickens after a few minutes. Now, stir in the Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mix will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas!
Step 3: Add the Cheeses for Maximum Creaminess
Move the sauce off the heat and toss in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until everything melts into a glorious, stretchy, smooth sauce. This is the true heart of Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love—don’t rush it, and watch as it transforms before your eyes.
Step 4: Fold in Seafood and Flavor Bursts
Gently fold in the lump crab meat, chopped cooked shrimp, and green onions. This is where the magic happens—soon, every bite will be packed with both tender noodles and generous bits of perfectly seasoned seafood. Toss in the drained macaroni and stir everything together until each tube is coated in luscious cheese sauce.
Step 5: Assemble and Top with Crunch
Pour your seafood mac mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil or melted butter for your crisp topping, then scatter it over the surface. This not only locks in flavor and moisture but also delivers a golden, crunchy crown that contrasts all the creaminess underneath.
Step 6: Bake to Bubbling Perfection
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling with anticipation. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, as this gives the cheese just enough time to set up perfectly—hot, oozy, and so satisfying.
How to Serve Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love
Garnishes
Give your masterpiece a final pop by showering it with a bit more chopped green onion, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, or an extra dusting of Parmesan. A squeeze of lemon right before serving also highlights those seafood notes and perks up the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This rich treat loves simple companions! Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some simply steamed asparagus or broccoli for color and freshness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also perfect for catching every last drop of that irresistible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this crowd-pleaser into an elegant dinner party dish by portioning Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love into individual ramekins before baking. Or, serve in chic little skillets for dramatic, bubbling presentation at the table. Tiny portions in tasting spoons or mini bowls make a stunning appetizer for entertaining, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld, making those second-day servings almost as delicious as the original fresh-from-the-oven version.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love! Wrap tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container after baking and cooling. It will keep beautifully for up to two months—just allow to thaw overnight before reheating so the texture stays creamy.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until hot and bubbly. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just add a splash of milk and cover loosely to keep things moist. The crumb topping will revive a bit in the oven, but it’ll taste fantastic either way.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood?
Absolutely! While crab and shrimp make a classic combo, scallops, lobster, or firm white fish can all work beautifully. Just make sure your seafood is cooked (if needed) and roughly chopped for easy mixing and eating.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
If you crave more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeño to the cheese sauce. The creamy base absorbs spice really well, so it’s easy to customize to your preferred level.
Can I make Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love ahead?
Yes! You can assemble the whole thing (minus the breadcrumb topping) a day in advance, then add the crumbs and bake when you’re ready. The chilling time actually helps the flavors blend even more.
Which cheese melts best for this recipe?
A blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan is tried-and-true for both flavor and meltability. Freshly shredded cheese works better than pre-packaged for the creamiest result—skip the bagged stuff when possible!
Is this mac and cheese kid-friendly?
Definitely! The rich cheese sauce and mild seafood make it very approachable, just skip any extra spice for little ones. It’s a great way to introduce new flavors while keeping that classic comfort food feel.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes bring together the comfort of creamy mac and cheese with the luxurious taste of seafood quite like Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love. Whether it’s your next potluck, date night, or weeknight indulgence, you owe it to yourself to give this recipe a try—it’s a showstopper waiting to happen!
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Seafood Mac & Cheese: The Best Ever Creamy Recipe You’ll Love Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and flavorful seafood mac and cheese recipe. Loaded with tender shrimp, lump crab meat, and a blend of three cheeses, every bite is a taste of pure decadence.
Ingredients
Macaroni:
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seafood Mix-In:
- 8 ounces lump crab meat (picked over)
- 8 ounces cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Macaroni: Cook elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and cream. Stir in seasonings and cheeses until smooth.
- Add Seafood: Fold in crab meat, shrimp, and green onions. Mix in cooked macaroni.
- Bake: Transfer to baking dish, top with breadcrumbs tossed in oil or butter, and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Serve: Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen seafood, ensuring it’s fully cooked before adding to the dish.
- Enhance richness with a dash of hot sauce or cayenne in the cheese sauce.
- This dish reheats well and is perfect for special occasions or weekend indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
