Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that combines the rich flavors of lobster, crab, and shrimp with the comforting goodness of macaroni and cheese? Look no further than our indulgent recipe for Lobster, Crab, and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese. This gourmet twist on a classic dish is perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving a taste of luxury. Join us as we explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and variations of this mouthwatering creation.
Ingredients:
Seafood:
- 1 cup Crab, pre-cooked and cut into pieces
- 3 Lobster tails, pre-cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups Shrimp, deveined and without shells
Produce:
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 handful Parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup White onion, diced
Canned Goods:
- 1/2 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup Evaporated milk
Condiments:
- 2 tbsp Tabasco (optional)
Pasta & Grains:
- 4 cups Elbow macaroni
Baking & Spices:
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tbsp Cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp Italian dried herb seasoning
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tbsp Paprika
- Salt, to taste
Bread & Baked Goods:
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Dairy:
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup Gouda cheese, grated
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
- 1 cup Half and half
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups Whole milk
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Seafood:
- If not already pre-cooked, cook the lobster tails and shrimp until just cooked through. Remove the meat from the lobster tails and chop into bite-sized pieces. Devein and remove the shells from the shrimp, then chop into smaller pieces. Set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the flour is golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, evaporated milk, half and half, and whole milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Add the Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, Italian dried herb seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and salt to the sauce, adjusting to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Gradually add the grated cheeses to the sauce, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Reserve some cheese for topping the dish.
4. Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked macaroni, chopped lobster, crab meat, and shrimp to the cheese sauce, stirring until well combined and evenly coated.
5. Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a large baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved grated cheese over the top, followed by a layer of panko breadcrumbs.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
6. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley and a drizzle of Tabasco sauce, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Seafood Options: Feel free to customize the seafood in this dish based on your preferences. You can use a combination of lobster, crab, shrimp, or even add scallops or mussels for a variety of flavors and textures.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and Tabasco sauce according to your desired level of heat. For a milder dish, reduce the amount of spice, or omit it altogether for a mild version.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste. Fontina, mozzarella, or pepper jack can be used in place of or in addition to the cheeses listed in the recipe.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use frozen seafood if fresh is not available. Thaw it completely before using and pat it dry to remove excess moisture.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake it in the preheated oven until heated through and bubbly.
Q: Can I omit the seafood for a vegetarian version? A: Absolutely! You can omit the seafood and add extra vegetables such as peas, bell peppers, or broccoli for a delicious vegetarian macaroni and cheese.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version, substitute the elbow macaroni with cauliflower or shirataki noodles. Use heavy cream instead of evaporated milk and half and half, and thicken the sauce with xanthan gum or a low-carb thickener. Reduce or omit the breadcrumbs for a lower carb count.
- Low-Carb Version: Similar to the keto version, use cauliflower or shirataki noodles instead of macaroni. Opt for lower-carb cheeses such as mozzarella, cream cheese, or goat cheese. Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
Elevate your macaroni and cheese game with the irresistible flavors of lobster, crab, and shrimp. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a gourmet meal, this Lobster, Crab, and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese is sure to impress. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender seafood, and perfectly seasoned pasta, it’s a dish that’s worth savoring. So gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a culinary masterpiece that will leave you craving seconds!
