Seafood Mac and Cheese puts a luxurious, ocean-inspired spin on the ultimate comfort food classic. This decadent dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a creamy, cheese-laden sauce studded with succulent shrimp and crab meat. Creamy, flavorful, and with just the right amount of crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s a dinner guaranteed to impress your family or guests. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy, hearty dish on a cool evening or aiming to take your mac and cheese game to the next level, this seafood-infused version offers rich indulgence with a delightful coastal touch.
Why You’ll Love Seafood Mac and Cheese
There’s something magically satisfying about combining two beloved favorites: mac and cheese and seafood. You get the velvety cheese sauce that warms your soul, the delicate flavors of shrimp and crab, and a crispy breadcrumb topping that adds just the right texture. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or when hosting friends—elegant enough to serve at a gathering yet easy and comforting enough for a weeknight. Every spoonful sings with luxurious creaminess, subtle heat from Old Bay, and the sweet, ocean-fresh taste of seafood.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this indulgent dish to life:
- 1 lb. elbow macaroni – cook just until al dente to keep the texture firm and prevent mushiness
- 8 oz cooked shrimp, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz crab meat – fresh or canned lump crab is ideal for the best flavor and texture
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided use: 2 Tbsp for topping, 4 Tbsp for sauce
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, for a satisfying crunch
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tsp minced garlic, for aromatic depth
- 2½ cups milk, whole or 2%
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream, boosts richness
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, thickening base for the sauce
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning, seafood classic
- Pinch of nutmeg, adds warmth
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese, creamy and nutty
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for sharpness
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, savory pungency
- ½ tsp paprika, mild color and flavor accent
Step-by-Step: How to Make Seafood Mac and Cheese
- Preheat & Prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix 2 Tbsp melted butter with ½ cup panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated. Set aside to crisp during baking.
- Start the Base: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining 4 Tbsp butter. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Build the Roux: Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about a minute to eliminate the raw taste and begin forming the roux.
- Add Dairy: Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream.
- Season the sauce with Old Bay, nutmeg, paprika, plus salt and pepper to taste.
- Continue whisking until the sauce thickens into a silky, velvety consistency.
- Cheese Goes In: Lower the heat and add Gruyère, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until fully melted and the sauce is rich and creamy.
- Seafood Step: Gently fold in the shrimp and crab meat, cooking just until heated through—overheating may make the seafood tough.
- Combine with Pasta: Pour the cheese–seafood mixture over the cooked macaroni and stir until every noodle is coated.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer everything to a 9×13-inch baking dish, sprinkle the buttered breadcrumb mixture evenly on top, and bake for 30 minutes until bubble-hot and golden browned on top.
- Serve & Enjoy: Let rest 5 minutes before scooping into bowls or onto plates—this rest helps everything set beautifully.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Elbow macaroni should remain slightly firm (“al dente”), since it will soften further in the oven.
- Grate your cheeses fresh if possible—freshly shredded melts more smoothly than pre‑shredded mixes which often include anti-caking additives.
- Adjust seasoning gradually. Old Bay has salt; taste your sauce before final adjustment.
- Prevent dryness. If your sauce seems too thick before baking, add a splash more milk or cream to maintain that rich, creamy consistency.
- Let it rest before serving. Five minutes of rest after baking will allow the sauce to thicken and hold together beautifully on the plate.
Substitutions And Variations
- Cheese Variations: Swap out Gruyère for Fontina or Gouda for a different flavor profile; use pepper jack for spicy character.
- Seafood Swap: Swap shrimp or crab for lobster, scallops, or a seafood medley—adjust Old Bay accordingly.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Lighter Version: Replace heavy cream with all milk, use reduced-fat cheese, and cut breadcrumbs or skip topping entirely.
- Added Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, peas, or roasted bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes (covered) until heated through, then uncover and bake 5 minutes more for topping crispness.
- Freeze: Freeze individual servings in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven, covered, adding cream or milk if sauce thickens too much.
- Prepare in advance by assembling the dish (without baking), then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before you’re ready to pop it in the oven.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings): Approximately 650 calories, 36 g fat, 45 g carbs, 30 g protein.
Highlights:
- Rich protein from shrimp, crab, and cheese
- Calcium-rich from dairy
- Moderate sodium from Old Bay and cheeses—consider reduced-sodium cheese for lower salt levels
- Fiber and micronutrients if vegetables are added
Note: These are rough estimates. Use nutrition software for precise tracking, especially if you need detailed macro or micro data.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a bright counterpart to the rich dish.
- Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Cheesy, toasty bread is wonderful for dipping and complements the creamy sauce.
- Steamed Veggies: Serve with lightly steamed asparagus, green beans, or broccoli for balance.
- Wine Pairing: A chilled Chardonnay or crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully—cheesy and creamy, yet refreshing with seafood notes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seafood Mac and Cheese
Q: Can I make this without seafood?
Absolutely! Skip the shrimp and crab for a classic mac and cheese, or add cooked chicken, bacon bits, or smoked ham for a meaty spin. The cheese sauce, breadcrumbs, and seasonings remain delicious on their own.
Q: How do I prevent my sauce from being grainy?
Ensure your cheeses are shredded or diced small so they melt evenly. Use moderate low-to-medium heat, and stir consistently to avoid separation. If sauce looks clumpy, a little more warm milk or cream can help smooth it out.
Q: Can this be prepped ahead?
Yes! Assemble up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add about 5–10 minutes to the baking time if chilled. You can also prepare components—like the breadcrumb mixture—ahead and store separately for convenience.
Q: My topping gets soggy—how do I keep it crispy?
Use panko breadcrumbs—its coarse texture holds crispness better. Also, wait 5 minutes after melting butter to avoid soaking. For extra crunch, broil for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Conclusion
Seafood Mac and Cheese is a soul-warming, show-stopping dish that’s as easy as it is elegant. Thank you so much for joining me in creating this creamy, cheesy, seafood-filled delight—it’s one of my favorite comfort foods to share with friends and family. The smooth blend of Gruyère, cheddar, and Parmesan over al dente pasta, studded with sweet shrimp and crab, makes every bite a hug in a bowl. No matter if you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy Sunday night, this recipe delivers warmth, ease, and incredible flavor. I hope you enjoy preparing and indulging in it as much as I do. Happy cooking, and welcome to our food-loving family—may every forkful bring joy and delicious memories!
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Seafood Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Seafood Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish filled with shrimp, crab, and a rich three-cheese sauce. Topped with crispy panko, it’s a baked favorite the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 lb elbow macaroni
8 oz cooked shrimp, chopped
8 oz lump crab meat
6 Tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
½ medium onion, chopped
2 tsp minced garlic
2½ cups milk
½ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
Pinch of nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp paprika
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook macaroni until al dente, drain.
Mix 2 Tbsp melted butter with panko, set aside.
Sauté onion in 4 Tbsp butter until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 sec.
Stir in flour; cook 1 min. Gradually whisk in milk and cream.
Add seasonings. Whisk until sauce thickens.
Stir in cheeses until melted. Add shrimp and crab.
Combine with pasta. Pour into 9×13 dish.
Top with breadcrumbs and bake 30 min.
Notes
Cook pasta just to al dente to avoid over-softening during baking. Use fresh shredded cheese for best melt and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 30g