why make this recipe
Ultimate Lobster & Shrimp Mac and Cheese is a delightful dish that combines the comfort of creamy mac and cheese with the luxury of seafood. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your family and friends. It’s rich, cheesy, and full of flavors that everyone will love. Plus, it’s not that difficult to make!
how to make Ultimate Lobster & Shrimp Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb lobster meat, cooked and chopped
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until it’s smooth.
- Continue to cook until the sauce thickens, then stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and becomes smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni, lobster, and shrimp to the cheese sauce, stirring well to combine everything.
- Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden.
- Once done, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
how to serve Ultimate Lobster & Shrimp Mac and Cheese
Serve the Ultimate Lobster & Shrimp Mac and Cheese hot from the oven. It’s great on its own or as a side dish. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some garlic bread.
how to store Ultimate Lobster & Shrimp Mac and Cheese
To store leftovers, let the mac and cheese cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to two months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until heated through.
tips to make Ultimate Lobster & Shrimp Mac and Cheese
- For extra flavor, try adding some spices like cayenne pepper or Old Bay seasoning.
- You can use other types of pasta if you don’t have elbow macaroni.
- Feel free to mix in some vegetables like spinach or peas for added nutrition.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp; they should be just tender.
variation
You can customize this dish by using crab or scallops instead of lobster and shrimp. You can also try different types of cheese for varied flavor—like adding gouda or mozzarella for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen lobster and shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen lobster and shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the dish.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
3. What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your cheese sauce turns out too thick, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up while stirring until you reach your desired consistency.
Ultimate Lobster & Shrimp Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until it’s smooth.
- Continue to cook until the sauce thickens, then stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and becomes smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni, lobster, and shrimp to the cheese sauce, stirring well to combine everything.
- Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden.
- Once done, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.