Ingredients
Scale
Gathering your ingredients is like lining up your little soldiers for battle. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound lump crabmeat
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
If you can’t find Gruyère, feel free to substitute with Swiss cheese. And if you’re a bit adventurous, a sprinkle of smoked paprika can add a delightful depth to the dish.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps, shall we? Cooking is like storytelling, and this is our plot:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook until it thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Stir in the cooked macaroni, shrimp, and crabmeat until everything is well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and parsley evenly over the top for a crispy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the comforting warmth and flavors!
Remember, if the sauce seems too thick, a splash of milk can loosen it right up. And don’t be afraid to get creative—cooking is about making it your own.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Seafood Mac and Cheese, recipe, cooking, food
