Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Lobster, Crab, and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, creamy and decadent, with chunks of fresh seafood that take it to another level. I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering; I was a little nervous, but as soon as I pulled it out of the oven, the smell was heavenly! Everyone gathered around, and the smiles on their faces as they took that first bite were priceless. Trust me, if you’re looking to impress someone or just treat yourself, this dish is a total game-changer. The combination of rich cheese and succulent seafood is simply irresistible!
Ingredients List
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni: Cook this pasta until it’s al dente for the perfect bite.
- 1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped: Freshly cooked lobster adds a luxurious touch.
- 1 cup cooked crab meat, chopped: Sweet, tender crab complements the dish beautifully.
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined: Use plump shrimp to enhance the seafood flavor.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: This is the star of the show; go for sharp for that bold flavor!
- 1 cup milk: Whole milk works best for a creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This makes the sauce ultra-decadent.
- 1/4 cup butter: Adds richness and helps make the roux.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This will thicken your cheese sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a hint of savory goodness.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: A little more depth to the flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season well!
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: For a crunchy topping that contrasts the creamy filling.
How to Prepare Lobster, Crab, and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making my Lobster, Crab, and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a dish that feels oh-so-special. Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, toss in your elbow macaroni and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Trust me, you want that perfect texture!
While your pasta is cooking, grab a saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour to create a roux, and stir it constantly for about a minute until it’s golden. Then, gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, letting it thicken up beautifully. This is where the magic starts to happen! Once it’s nice and creamy, remove it from the heat and stir in that shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it’s all melty and irresistible.
Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked macaroni, chopped lobster, crab, and shrimp. Pour that luscious cheese sauce all over the pasta and seafood, and mix it up until everything is well coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top for that perfect crunch, and pop it in the oven! Bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbling and golden. Get ready for the amazing smells that’ll fill your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, lobster, crab, and shrimp. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and mix until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional information for my Lobster, Crab, and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese is an estimate, but it’s about 650 calories per serving. You’ll also find approximately 35g of fat, 30g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. It’s a decadent treat, so savor every bite!
Tips for Success
To make your Lobster, Crab, and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese absolutely perfect, here are some tried-and-true tips! First, always use fresh seafood for the best flavor—frozen can work in a pinch, but fresh is a game-changer. Don’t rush the roux; cook it just until it’s golden to avoid a raw flour taste. When mixing your cheese sauce, add the cheese off the heat to keep it smooth and creamy. And if you want a crispy topping, broil it for the last couple of minutes after baking to achieve that golden brown perfection. Trust me, these little details make a huge difference!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize my Lobster, Crab, and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese! For a little spice, try adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce—trust me, it adds a delightful kick! You can also switch up the cheese; Gruyère or fontina would lend a nutty flavor that’s simply divine. For a twist on texture, mix in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added depth and nutrition. And if you’re a fan of herbs, fresh dill or parsley sprinkled on top before serving brings a bright freshness that pairs beautifully with seafood!
Serving Suggestions
This Lobster, Crab, and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few side dishes! I love serving it alongside a crisp, green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a heartier option, garlic bread makes a fantastic companion—who can resist that buttery crunch? And if you’re looking for a drink, a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade complements the flavors perfectly. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers of my Lobster, Crab, and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. Just cover it with foil to keep it moist—enjoy that creamy goodness again!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen seafood? Yes, you can use frozen lobster, crab, and shrimp if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for a day. Just bake it when you’re ready!
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Microwave is quick, but reheating in the oven keeps it creamy. Just cover it with foil to avoid drying out.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Definitely! Spinach, peas, or even roasted red peppers can add flavor and nutrition.
Print
Lobster, Crab, and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese Delightful Journey
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and decadent macaroni and cheese dish featuring lobster, crab, and shrimp.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 1 cup cooked crab meat, chopped
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour, garlic powder, and onion powder to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine the cooked macaroni, lobster, crab, and shrimp in a large bowl.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and seafood mixture, mixing well.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor.
- Adjust cheese types to your preference.
- Can substitute pasta shapes if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Lobster, Crab, Shrimp, Macaroni and Cheese