seafood Mac and cheese recipe (2024)

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I’ve had a bunch of people ask for my recipe for Seafood Mac and Cheese recipe. The cheesy goodness is a delicious twist on traditional macaroni and cheese but still easy enough for weeknight dinners. We like it with my quickie green beans or a simple salad topped with my cheater balsamic dressing.

seafood Mac and cheese recipe (1)

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It’s one of my favorite dinners because it’s total comfort food with a little flair. I love the smoothness of the cheese and the crunch of the topping.

This recipe makes 2-3 adult sized meal portions. The musicmaker and I eat a lot and we split this but you can easily double or triple the recipe.

Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe

The proportions of fish are definitely a preference thing so just use what you have or what sound good to you.

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Seafood Macaroni and Cheese Ingredients

The ingredients are super flexible when it comes to the seafood just use about 1 cup worth of seafood. I’ve tried it with those bagged seafood mixes and random ends of bags in my freezer and it all turns out tasty!

  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup each shrimp, imitation crab, and fish (I use half a costco filet and sometimes I use bay scallops whatever sounds good to you will work)
  • Old Bay Seasoning
  • 3 TBS butter divided
  • 2 TBS flour
  • 1 C milk
  • 4 ounces dry pasta
  • 1/2 to 1 C cheese (I like to use a slice of Munster and then a big handful of colby jack)
  • Onion Powder and Salt to taste
  • Panko bread crumbs for topping
  • Spray Oil like Pam

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How to Make Seafood Mac and Cheese

While you don’t need to do the topping and baking step I think it adds a level of specialness that takes this tasty dish over the top.

  1. Start water boiling for pasta. When boiling add pasta to cook
  2. If any of your seafood is raw cook it in 1 TBS butter once almost cooked through add the rest of the seafood and a sprinkling of Old Bay seasoning to taste. Remove from pan.
  3. Using the same pan add remaining butter over medium heat and flour to make a roux.
  4. Slowly add milk while stirring to make a cream sauce.
  5. Add cheese and melt though.
  6. Add seafood mix.
  7. Add salt and onion powder to taste.
  8. Next add 1/8 to 1/4 C pasta water and pasta reserving water in case you want it thinner.
  9. You can serve it now as a saucy pasta but what I think makes this special is this next step. Pour into casserole dish. Cover generously with Panko breadcrumbs. Spray with Pam and broil until crisp.

It’s comfort food elevated but on a total doable for the middle of the week level of energy investment!

seafood Mac and cheese recipe (5)

Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe

Course Main Course

Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe the perfect comfort food when you are craving pasta but want it a little fancy.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup each shrimp imitation crab, and fish (I use half a costco filet and sometimes I use bay scallops whatever sounds good to you will work)
  • Old Bay Seasoning
  • 3 TBS butter divided
  • 2 TBS flour
  • 1 C milk
  • 4 ounces dry pasta
  • 1/2 to 1 C cheese I like to use a slice of Munster and then a big handful of colby jack
  • Onion Powder and Salt to taste
  • Panko bread crumbs for topping
  • Spray Oil like Pam

Instructions

  • Start water boiling for pasta. When boiling add pasta to cook

  • If any of your seafood is raw cook it in 1 TBS butter once almost cooked through add the rest of the seafood and a sprinkling of Old Bay seasoning to taste. Remove from pan.

  • Using the same pan add remaining butter over medium heat and flour to make a roux.

  • Slowly add milk while stirring to make a cream sauce.

  • Add cheese and melt though.

  • Add seafood mix.

  • Add salt and onion powder to taste.

  • Next add 1/8 to 1/4 C pasta water and pasta reserving water in case you want it thinner.

  • You can serve it now as a saucy pasta but what I think makes this special is this next step. Pour into casserole dish. Cover generously with Panko breadcrumbs. Spray with Pam and broil until crisp.

Nom nom nom, I want to make this again tomorrow it was so so delicious!

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seafood Mac and cheese recipe (9)

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Comments

    Leave a Reply

  1. Debra says

    Yum! I love Macaroni and Cheese and my husband doesn’t. I think these may be the trick to swaying him to our side.

    Reply

  2. marissa says

    THat’s kind of heartbreaking that he doesn’t like mac and cheese! Yes I think it’s different enough it may satisfy both of you guys. Hopefully we can convert him.

    Reply

  3. Lindsay says

    Yummy! That looks amazing! I am so trying this!

    Reply

  4. Kady says

    Looks delish! I live on the coast of NC and can’t wait to try this with some local sea food!

    Reply

  5. Milynn luong says

    I love seafood and I love mac and cheese. Why didn’t I think of this before? This is the best thing since sliced bread. Thanks for the recipe! I’m glad I stumbled on your blog from the made with love Link up!

    -Milynn
    Love and Whimsy

    Reply

  6. Haydn and Kristy @ Taste Buds says

    I am lactose intolerant, but I may have to break my routine to try this.

    -h (@taste-buds)

    Reply

  7. simona says

    nice, i love how you turned this classic recipe into a gourmet dinner :)

    Reply

  8. Christine says

    I MUST try this!!! It simply looks DELICIOUS!! What consists of Old Bay Seasoning? I’m wondering if I can get that here.

    Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!

    Reply

  9. Amy Rea says

    OMG, yum! I want to make this now, but it is only 1130am in the morning. I have just added the ingredients to next weeks shopping list!

    Reply

  10. Betsy says

    Yes, I will have 3 servings please. Hehe! Looks delicious, I would make this but my husband is iffy on new things. I might have a guilty pleasure and make it all for myself.

    Reply

  11. Betsy Pool says

    Looks good. Thanks for linking up at Romance on a dime!

    Reply

  12. Autumn says

    I LOVE seafood…this looks amazing!

    Reply

  13. Erin says

    This sounds absolutely amazing! Love the crunchy top!

    Reply

  14. Sarah @ Simply Sarah Style says

    This sounds amazing. Definitely “pin worthy.” Thank you for sharing!

    Reply

  15. Carrie says

    I love adding things to mac and cheese. It looks great. Thanks for sharing at Sharing Saturday!

    Reply

seafood Mac and cheese recipe (2024)

FAQs

What cheese is best with seafood? ›

Balance the saltiness: Seafood is naturally salty, so it's important to choose a cheese that balances the saltiness. Aged cheeses like parmesan and asiago work well with seafood dishes that are heavily salted, while fresh cheeses like goat cheese and feta can lighten the overall saltiness of the dish.

What to pair with seafood mac and cheese? ›

The best side dishes to serve with lobster mac and cheese are zucchini boats, caprese salad, butternut squash, grilled asparagus, sauteed mushrooms, Brussels sprouts with bacon, cauliflower Parmesan, roasted garlic bread, green beans almondine, corn on the cob, cucumber salad, tomato soup, roasted root vegetables, and ...

How long does seafood mac and cheese last in the fridge? ›

How long does Lobster Mac And Cheese last in the fridge? Leftovers can be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or the microwave.

What to add to mac and cheese to make it better? ›

8 Ways to Elevate Your Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
  1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
  2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
  3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
  4. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
  5. Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish.
May 21, 2022

Why not mix seafood and cheese? ›

Some seafood is delicate – such as oysters, clams and flounder – and should be cooked carefully and simply. These delicate fish should not be paired with strong cheese since they will completely overwhelm the nice delicate flavors of the fish itself.

What 2 cheeses are best for mac and cheese? ›

For a mac and cheese recipe, consider the combination of sharper cheddar cheeses and a flavorful Parmesan. This cheese adds a boost of fruity, nutty notes to your favorite macaroni recipes.

What mixes well with mac and cheese? ›

What mixes well with mac and cheese? Adding ingredients like bacon, broccoli, caramelized onions, jalapeños, shrimp, sausages (or hotdogs, if you want to go old school), or different cheeses mix well with mac and cheese.

Can you eat fish with mac and cheese? ›

Shredded tilapia makes this creamy stovetop mac an incredibly decadent experience without extra weight; a perfect marriage of cheese and seafood. 1. In a sauté pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until soft, then add tarragon, chervil, and pepper.

Can I eat 6 day old mac and cheese? ›

Pop those leftovers in the fridge within 2 hours to enjoy for up to 4 days. If it was left out longer than 2 hours (or an hour in a room that's 90°F or above), you'll need to throw it away.

Can I eat mac and cheese left out overnight? ›

Macaroni and cheese, like all other food, can only sit out at room temperature for a maximum of two hours before entering the "danger zone" [2]. The danger zone refers to temperatures between 41°F and 135°F (5°C and 57°C), where food poisoning bacteria can rapidly grow [2].

Can you freeze homemade mac and cheese? ›

Yes. Mac and cheese can be frozen for up to three months. The creamier the mac and cheese sauce is, the better it will be for freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator or microwave before baking.

What not to do when making mac and cheese? ›

The 5 Biggest Mac & Cheese Mistakes
  1. Using Only Cheddar cheese. Because macaroni and cheese is English in origin, you might be tempted to make it with only cheddar cheese. ...
  2. Not Adding Spice and Seasoning with Salt. The flavor of the cheese is enhanced with spice. ...
  3. Choosing the Wrong Pasta. ...
  4. Overcooking. ...
  5. Skimping on the Toppings.
May 21, 2020

What thickens mac and cheese? ›

You can thicken cheese sauce further by adding more flour or even using a couple of teaspoons of cornstarch. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch or flour with a cup of water. The cold water will create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the cheese sauce over medium heat, and let the sauce boil and thicken.

What keeps mac and cheese moist? ›

Add more cheese

That final layer of cheese on top isn't just for looks; it also helps keep the saucy noodles underneath from drying out during baking. Breadcrumbs also help insulate the noodles, acting as a protective layer while baking that also happens to add a nice little crunch.

What compliments seafood? ›

Best Side Dishes for Serious Seafood
  • A vibrant green cucumber salad with kale and arugula served with a lemon vinaigrette.
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts wrapped with bacon.
  • Baked into homemade, creamy mac and cheese (we're thinking lobster mac for sure!)
  • Fish tacos with lime, corn, poblano peppers, and sliced chorizo.
Aug 24, 2022

What cheese pairs well with lobster? ›

Pick mild cheeses as you want to complement the sweet, buttery flavor of the lobster, not over power its flavor. We use Gruyere, Swiss, and American cheeses in our recipe. Also try a mascarpone, provolone, or even mozzarella cheeses.

Do Italians put parmesan on seafood? ›

You see, in Italy, Parmesan cheese is reserved for pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces, cream sauces, and meat-based dishes. Adding Parmesan cheese to a seafood-based dish, like spaghetti with clams, is a big no-no. It's like adding ketchup to a steak or pineapple on a pizza – it just doesn't belong!

What cheese to fish with? ›

Whether it's stilton, parmesan or classic cheddar, cheese paste is a great way to get more attraction from what is likely to be high-quality fish. The best types of cheese to use for your paste are crumbly ones such as Stilton and Danish Blue as these can be kneaded into paste form and then moulded around the hook.

References

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