Cheesy Seafood Mac & Cheese Recipe

Published Dec 20, 2024 By Elle Ann

Image Credit: Smokin' & Grillin with AB via YouTube

Mac and cheese is a classic and delicious dish that I bet you grew up eating. There are many ways and different versions of mac and cheese that you can find online. Some of them are very simple and perfect for busy people while some are more intended for parties and special occasions.

This one by Smokin’ & Grillin with AB on YouTube is a recipe that deserves all the recognition because not only is it mouth-watering but it’s also incredibly easy to make. If you’re not a huge fan of seafood, then I’m sure you’ll change your mind once you’ve tried this version. Try it now and see for yourself!

Ingredients for Seafood Mac & Cheese:

Pasta

1 pound of penne or large elbow pasta
3 quarts of water
3 tbsp of kosher salt

Cheese sauce

3 cups of whole milk
2 cups of half & half
1 tbsp of butter
2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup of diced onion
1 tbsp of fresh thyme, chopped
1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
3 tbsp of all-purpose flour
1-2 tbsp of all-purpose seasoning
2-3 tsp of hot sauce
1-2 tsp of liquid crab boil, optional

Cheese blend

3 cups of Monterey Jack cheese, grated
3 cups of mild Cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup of Gruyere cheese, grated

Seafood

1 pound of raw shrimp, deveined and tails removed
½-¾ pound of lobster meat, chopped
½-¾ pound of lump crab meat

How to Make Seafood Mac & Cheese:

Ingredients for Seafood Mac & Cheese — Image Credit: Smokin’ & Grillin with AB via YouTube

Step 1

Reserve two cups of the cheese blend for topping later, then lightly season the shrimp and lobster with salt, pepper, and all-purpose seasoning to taste. Set them aside, then let them marinate while preparing the rest of the ingredients, pour 3 quarts of water into a pot, and bring it to a boil. Add 3 tablespoons of salt to the water, then cook the pasta for about 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente, and then drain off all the water.

Step 2

Drizzle some olive oil, then give them a good toss, and set them aside. Warm the milk and half and half in the microwave for about 3 to 4 minutes, then place a large skillet on a stove over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the olive oil, then saute the diced onion for about 3 to 4 minutes or until softened, add the flour, and give them a good stir.

Step 3

Cook the flour for 2 minutes, then add the minced garlic and thyme, and cook them for another minute. Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking continuously until smooth, then season them with all-purpose seasoning, and add in the hot sauce and liquid crab boil. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes while whisking occasionally until thickened, then add 3 cups of the cheese blend, and stir them until melted.

Step 4

At this point, preheat your oven to 350°F, then lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, and start layering all of the ingredients as demonstrated in the video. Cover the dish with foil, then put it in the oven, and let it bake for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil, then put it back in the oven to bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and then let it slightly cool before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, then serve, and enjoy!