Upscale Shrimp and Crab Macaroni & Cheese
Elevate your dining experience with this luxurious twist on classic macaroni and cheese. Our Upscale Shrimp and Crab Macaroni & Cheese combines creamy old cheddar and a touch of parmesan, with succulent shrimp and sweet crab meat for a rich, satisfying blend of flavors. Fresh basil and tender baby spinach add a vibrant, herbaceous note, ensuring every bite is a delightful fusion of comfort and refinement. Perfect for a family gathering or a special occasion, this one-dish meal is guaranteed to impress your guests while keeping the essence of a beloved comfort food.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
macaroni
2 cups (uncooked)
butter
3 tablespoons (for cooking and greasing)
flour
2 tablespoons (all-purpose)
milk
2 cups (whole or your preferred milk)
paprika
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (ground)
old cheddar cheese
200 g (grated)
salt
2 pinches (to taste)
white pepper
2 pinches (to taste)
cooked shrimp
200 g (patted dry)
crabmeat
1/2 cup (fresh, frozen, or canned, well drained)
fresh basil
1/4 cup (chopped)
parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (grated)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until tender, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with butter. Set aside.
3
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.
4
Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to cook until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
5
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cream, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and white pepper. Fold in three-quarters of the grated old cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained macaroni, cooked shrimp, crab meat, baby spinach (if using), and fresh basil. Gently pour in the cheese sauce and mix until all ingredients are well-coated.
7
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8
Sprinkle the remaining old cheddar and grated parmesan cheese on top.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top turns a light golden brown.
10
Remove from the oven, allow to cool for a few minutes, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Upscale Shrimp and Crab Macaroni & Cheese.
What makes this macaroni and cheese upscale?
It is elevated with succulent shrimp, sweet crab meat, fresh basil, and old cheddar cheese for a luxurious twist.
What types of cheese are used in this dish?
This recipe uses old cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese.
What seafood ingredients are required?
You will need 200g of cooked shrimp and 1/2 cup of crabmeat.
How long should I cook the macaroni?
The macaroni should be cooked in salted boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes until tender.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is recommended?
An 8 x 8-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly grease the baking dish with butter before adding the macaroni mixture.
What is used to create the roux for the cheese sauce?
The roux is made by melting 3 tablespoons of butter and stirring in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
How long should the roux be cooked?
Cook the butter and flour mixture for 2 minutes while stirring constantly.
What type of milk can be used for the sauce?
You can use 2 cups of whole milk or your preferred milk choice.
What spices are added to the cheese sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and white pepper.
How much of the cheddar cheese goes into the sauce?
Fold in three-quarters of the 200g of grated old cheddar cheese into the sauce.
What additional greens can be added for a vibrant note?
Freshly chopped basil and tender baby spinach are included for an herbaceous flavor.
How should the crabmeat be prepared?
The crabmeat can be fresh, frozen, or canned, but it must be well drained before use.
What is the preparation for the shrimp?
The shrimp should be cooked and patted dry before being added to the mixture.
How much fresh basil is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil.
When do I add the parmesan cheese?
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top of the macaroni mixture before baking.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the dish for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the macaroni and cheese is finished baking?
It is done when the cheese is bubbly and the top has turned a light golden brown.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven.
How much macaroni is required for this recipe?
You need 2 cups of uncooked macaroni.
What is the purpose of the cayenne pepper?
A pinch of cayenne pepper is added to provide a subtle hint of heat.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a complete one-dish meal perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
What total weight of cheddar cheese is used?
The recipe uses 200 grams of grated old cheddar cheese.
What type of pepper is used besides cayenne?
The recipe specifically calls for white pepper to season the sauce.
Can I use frozen crab?
Yes, frozen crab is acceptable as long as it is thawed and well drained.
How many tablespoons of parmesan are used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water.
What is the texture of the finished cheese sauce?
The sauce should be thick, creamy, and smooth once the cheese is melted.