Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food that has graced dinner tables for generations. Its creamy, cheesy goodness is hard to resist. However, adding seafood to this classic dish elevates it to a whole new level, turning a simple meal into a gourmet delight. This Seafood Mac and Cheese recipe combines the rich flavors of various cheeses with the succulent taste of seafood, creating a dish that is both indulgent and satisfying. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this exquisite dish.
Ingredients
To prepare this luxurious Seafood Mac and Cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cubes of chicken-flavored bouillon: Adds depth and flavor to the pasta.
- 1 16oz box of elbow macaroni: The classic choice for mac and cheese.
- 1 stick of salted butter: For richness in both the pasta and the roux.
- 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour: To thicken the cheese sauce.
- Whole milk: Provides a creamy base for the cheese sauce.
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese: Known for its smooth melting quality.
- 1 block of Colby Jack cheese (shred it yourself): For a blend of mild and creamy flavors.
- 1 block of medium cheddar cheese (shred it yourself): Adds a sharp, tangy flavor.
- 8oz bag of 4-cheese Mexican blend: For a mix of flavors and smooth melting.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and tang to the sauce.
- Salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder: Essential seasonings for a flavorful dish.
- Non-stick spray or butter: To prepare the baking tray.
Preparation
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s ready for baking once your mac and cheese is assembled.
2. Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring 12 cups of water to a boil. Add 2 cubes of chicken-flavored bouillon to the boiling water for added flavor. Once the water is boiling, add the 16oz box of elbow macaroni, stirring as you add it. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once the pasta is done, drain it and transfer it to a separate bowl. Do not rinse the pasta, as the starch helps the sauce adhere better. Add 2 tablespoons of salted butter to the pasta to prevent it from sticking together. Set the pasta aside.
3. Make the Roux
In a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat (setting 6/7), melt 4 tablespoons of salted butter. Once the butter has melted, add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Cook the flour for about 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden color. This step is crucial as it removes the raw flour taste and creates a roux, which will thicken the cheese sauce.
4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Gradually add 2 cups of whole milk to the roux, stirring continuously until the mixture comes to a simmer. Next, add 8 ounces of chopped Velveeta cheese, a handful of shredded Colby Jack cheese, and a handful of shredded medium cheddar cheese. Pour in the entire 8oz bag of 4-cheese Mexican blend. Stir until all the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with 1 teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 2 teaspoons of onion powder, and 2 teaspoons of complete seasoning. Let the sauce cook for an additional 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
5. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and mix well to ensure every piece is coated. Add 2 tablespoons of sour cream and mix thoroughly. Slowly add ½ cup of whole milk and mix again. Finally, add 1 tablespoon of complete seasoning and stir until well combined.
6. Assemble and Bake
Spray a small aluminum baking tray with non-stick spray or butter it generously. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared tray. Cover the tray with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
7. Add Topping and Finish Baking
After 20 minutes, remove the mac and cheese from the oven and give it a good stir. Top the mac and cheese with the remaining shredded Colby Jack and medium cheddar cheeses. Sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper and paprika on top for extra flavor and a hint of color. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake on the top rack for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.
Enjoy
Once the mac and cheese is beautifully browned on top, remove it from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm and pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
Tips for Success
- Shredding Cheese: Always shred your cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture and melting quality of your cheese sauce.
- Seafood Addition: To truly make this dish Seafood Mac and Cheese, consider adding cooked shrimp, crab meat, or lobster to the pasta before baking. This addition will elevate the dish to a gourmet level.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and paprika to suit your spice tolerance. For a milder version, reduce the amounts, or omit them altogether.
Variations
- Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gouda, Fontina, or Gruyère can add unique flavors and textures to your mac and cheese.
- Breadcrumb Topping: For added crunch, sprinkle a mixture of breadcrumbs and melted butter on top of the mac and cheese before the final bake.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives to the cheese sauce for a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Seafood Mac and Cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:
- Family Dinners: This dish is perfect for family gatherings and special occasions. Its rich and creamy texture is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Potlucks and Parties: Serve this dish at potlucks or parties for a decadent side that stands out among other offerings.
- Weeknight Meals: Although it feels indulgent, this dish can be a comforting weeknight meal when you’re craving something special.
Conclusion
Seafood Mac and Cheese is a luxurious twist on a classic comfort food. Combining the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional mac and cheese with the rich flavors of seafood creates a dish that is both indulgent and satisfying. By following these detailed steps and tips, you can create a mac and cheese that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the process of making this delightful dish and, most importantly, savor every delicious bite.
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Seafood Mac and Cheese: A Luxurious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
Seafood Mac and Cheese is a luxurious twist on the classic comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy pasta with tender seafood. This dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a decadent meal.
Ingredients
2 cubes of chicken flavored bouillon
1 16oz of elbow Mac and cheese
1 stick of salt butter
3 tablespoon of all purpose flour
Whole milk
8 oz velvet cheese
1 block of Colby jack cheese ( shred cheese yourself)
1 block of medium cheddar cheese (shred cheese yourself)
8oz bag 4 cheese Mexican
sour cream
Salt
Black pepper
Cayenne pepper
Paprika pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Instructions
Non stick spay or butter
- Step 1
- Set oven on 350°
- COOKING PASTA
- Add 12 cups of water to a pot then add
- 2 cubes of chicken flavored bouillon (Maggie). Set the stove at high heat 8/7 and let water come to a boil.
- Once water is boiling add
- 1 16oz (lb) box of elbow pasta (stirring while adding) than let pasta cook pasta (following directions on the back of the box)
- Once pasta is done cooking drain the pasta then put it to a separate bowl (do not rinse), add 2 tablespoon of salted butter to help pasta not stick together. Set the pasta to the side.
- MAKING THE ROUX
- Add a pot to stove at medium high heat 6/7 add
- 4 tablespoon of salted butter let the butter melt
- Then add 3 tablespoon of all purpose flour let the flour cook for about 4 minutes than add 2 cups of whole milk let the milk come to a simmer.
- Then add 8 oz of velveta cheese (chopped up), and a handful of the Colby jack cheese (And medium cheddar cheese, Add the whole bag of 4 cheese Mexican shredded cheese and let all the cheeses melt into the milk.
- Once all the cheese is melted Add 1 teaspoon of salt ,1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika , 2 teaspoon of garlic ,2 teaspoon of onion powder and 2 teaspoons of complete seasoning let cook for 2 minutes and turn off the stove.
- Pour the cheeses sauce into the macaroni and mix well.
- Than add 2 tablespoon of sour cream and mix well. Slowly add 1/2 cup of whole milk and mix well than add 1 tablespoon of complete seasoning and mix well.
- Spray one small aluminum tray with the nonstick spray then Pour the Mac and cheese into the aluminum tray.
- Cover the macaroni and cheese with aluminum foil and place it in oven for 20 minutes.
- Take the Mac and cheese out after the 20 minutes mix it well.
- Then add the Colby jack and medium cheddar cheese you shredded at the top of the Mac and cheese.
- Sprinkle some Cheyenne pepper and some paprika on the top of the cheese place it back in the oven uncovered top rack and let it cook until cheese is gold and brown (20/30 minutes) remove Mac & cheese from oven.
- Enjoy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 220mg