Lobster, Crab and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese

This luxurious dish combines rich cheeses and succulent seafood, perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to indulge. The combination of creamy gouda, cheddar, and gruyere with shrimp, lobster, and crab creates an unparalleled, mouth-watering experience. Enjoy this hearty and gourmet comfort meal!

Why You’ll Love It:

Decadent and Luxurious: The combination of lobster, crab, and shrimp elevates this mac and cheese to a gourmet experience.
Comfort with a Twist: All the cozy, cheesy comfort of traditional mac and cheese but with a flavorful seafood kick.
Impressively Simple: While it looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality dish, it’s straightforward enough to make at home.

Key Ingredients:

Seafood Selection: Use fresh or high-quality frozen seafood for the best flavor. Pre-steamed lobster can save you time, but raw lobster adds more flavor when baked.
Cheese Choices: Gouda, Muenster, and Gruyere each contribute creaminess and depth of flavor. For an alternative, try smoked Gouda or a sharp white cheddar for a richer taste.
Pasta: Penne or large elbow pasta holds the cheese sauce well. Other good options include cavatappi or shells for their ability to trap cheese.
Grand Diamond Seasoning: If you don’t have this on hand, a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a touch of cayenne makes a great substitute.
Crab Boil Seasoning: This optional step infuses a subtle, spicy seafood essence that seafood lovers will appreciate.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Chop and Prep: Finely chop and dice all necessary ingredients. Grate the cheeses and mix them in a large bowl for even distribution.
Season Seafood: Season the shrimp and lobster pieces with your preferred seasonings and set them aside for later use.

Step 2: Preheat and Cook Pasta

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Boil Pasta: In a large stock pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add 3 tablespoons of salt to season the water. Cook your pasta until just al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and toss the pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

Heat Milk Mixture: Preheat the milk and half & half mixture in the microwave for 3-4 minutes until warm.
Create the Roux:
In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium-high heat.
Sauté the chopped onions until they become soft and translucent.
Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, but do not let it brown.
Add Aromatics and Liquids:
Add the garlic and thyme to the roux and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk in the warmed milk mixture gradually until smooth and thickened.
Season: Add salt, black pepper, Grand Diamond seasoning (or your preferred all-purpose seasoning), hot sauce, and the optional crab boil seasoning for an extra layer of flavor. Let it simmer for a few minutes, whisking occasionally.

Step 4: Combine Cheese and Pasta

Incorporate Cheeses: Stir 3 cups of the grated cheeses into the sauce until melted and fully combined.
Mix in Pasta: Fold in the drained pasta until all the noodles are coated in the cheese sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Layer the Dish:
Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
Spread half of the macaroni and cheese in the dish.
Sprinkle half of the seasoned seafood and 2 cups of reserved cheese over the first layer.
Repeat with the remaining macaroni and cheese, seafood, and cheese.

Step 6: Bake

Initial Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Final Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is golden, the cheese is fully melted, and the seafood is cooked through.

Step 7: Serve

Cool Slightly and Serve: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this rich, decadent seafood mac and cheese hot!

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this seafood mac and cheese with simple sides and drinks to create a balanced meal:

Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing crunch.
Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or crusty rolls to sop up every last drop of the creamy sauce.
Wine Pairing: A buttery Chardonnay or a light Sauvignon Blanc complements the seafood and cheese beautifully.
Vegetables: Roasted asparagus or a medley of steamed green beans provide a pop of color and a healthy side.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

Here’s how to store and make the most of your leftovers:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze before baking or after cooling. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

Variations:

Tailor your Seafood Mac and Cheese to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

No Lobster? No Problem: Replace lobster with extra shrimp or crab meat to simplify the dish without losing the seafood flavor.
Spicier Version: Add a finely diced jalapeño or red chili flakes to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
Healthier Option: Use whole wheat pasta and reduce the cheese and butter slightly to create a lighter version.
Different Cheeses: For a more complex flavor, try adding a bit of smoked cheese or substituting Gruyere with Fontina or Asiago.
Vegetable Addition: Stir in sautéed mushrooms or wilted spinach for extra texture and nutrients.

Conclusion:

This Lobster, Crab, and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese is an indulgent treat that’s worth every bite. The tender chunks of seafood combined with a rich, creamy, and perfectly seasoned cheese sauce are an experience that makes any occasion special. Serve it at your next dinner party or as a comforting weekend meal, and you’ll have everyone asking for seconds.