Seafood Mac & Cheese Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Seafood Mac & Cheese Bake combines two of the best comfort foods: mac and cheese and seafood! The rich, creamy cheese sauce perfectly complements the savory seafood, while the crispy golden top adds a satisfying crunch. The combination of shrimp, crab, and crawfish brings a bold seafood flavor that stands out in each bite. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or casual weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress with its indulgent taste and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

1 pound macaroni noodles

454 grams Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes (optional, or preferred cheese)

907 grams Colby Jack cheese, shredded (or preferred shredded cheese)

710 milliliters heavy whipping cream

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 bag jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 can lump crab meat, drained

1 bag crawfish tails, thawed and rinsed

3 teaspoons Kinder’s Seafood Blend

3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (such as Slap Ya Mama)

2 teaspoons garlic powder

3 teaspoons Accent flavor enhancer

2 teaspoons ground black pepper

Chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions

In a saucepan over low heat, combine heavy whipping cream, cream of chicken soup, and cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.

Add Kinder’s Seafood Blend, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, Accent, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to incorporate the seasonings into the mixture.

Boil macaroni noodles in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and transfer to a large baking dish.

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add crawfish tails and a pinch of seafood seasoning. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, then remove from pan and set aside.

Add a small amount of butter to the skillet. Gently warm lump crab meat, seasoning lightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Season shrimp with seafood blend. Sauté in a skillet with a touch of butter, or cook in an air fryer until opaque and just cooked through.

Pour half of the prepared cheese sauce over the macaroni noodles in the baking dish. Add a portion of shredded Colby Jack cheese and stir until combined.

Arrange sautéed crawfish tails, warmed crab meat, and cooked shrimp evenly over the macaroni mixture.

Pour the remaining cheese sauce evenly over the seafood. Sprinkle remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese and garnish with extra crawfish tails and chopped parsley.

Bake in a preheated oven at 177°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and top is lightly golden.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 8 Servings (One large casserole dish)

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Cheese: Feel free to swap out the Velveeta or Colby Jack cheese for other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack, depending on your taste.

• Seafood: If you’re not a fan of one of the seafood options, you can replace shrimp, crab, or crawfish with other shellfish like scallops or lobster.

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the macaroni noodles with a gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to make it spicier or milder according to your preference.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F (177°C) oven until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the top from becoming too dry.

FAQs

Can I use other types of seafood for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the shrimp, crab, or crawfish with other seafood options such as scallops, lobster, or even white fish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Can I freeze the Seafood Mac & Cheese Bake?

Yes, this dish freezes well. After assembling it, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

What can I serve with Seafood Mac & Cheese Bake?

This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild to moderate spice level due to the Cajun seasoning. You can adjust the spice by adding more or less, depending on your taste.

Can I use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute evaporated milk for heavy cream, but the texture may be slightly less rich and creamy.

Can I make this dish without the cream of chicken soup?

You can use a homemade cheese sauce instead of the cream of chicken soup if preferred, though the flavor might change slightly.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from separating?

Make sure to stir the sauce continuously over low heat and avoid overheating it, which can cause the cheese to separate.

Can I use pre-cooked seafood for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked seafood to save time, just make sure to warm it up gently to avoid overcooking.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven, but make sure to cover the dish to keep it moist and prevent the top from drying out.

Conclusion

Seafood Mac & Cheese Bake is a decadent and satisfying dish that combines the comfort of mac and cheese with the bold flavors of seafood. It’s easy to customize, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering. This dish is sure to become a family favorite with its creamy, cheesy goodness and delightful seafood flavors.

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