When it comes to comfort food, macaroni and cheese often tops the list. This classic dish, loved by children and adults alike, evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth. But what if you could elevate this beloved staple into a gourmet experience? Enter Lobster, Crab, and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese – a luxurious twist on the traditional recipe that incorporates succulent seafood into the creamy, cheesy pasta. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to indulge in a rich and flavorful meal.
The Essence of Lobster, Crab, and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese
This version of macaroni and cheese takes the dish to new heights by blending three delectable seafood varieties: lobster, crab, and shrimp. The result is a symphony of flavors that adds depth and complexity to the dish. The creamy sauce, made from a combination of Gouda, Muenster, and Gruyere cheeses, envelops each piece of pasta and seafood, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.
The dish begins with cooking the pasta to al dente perfection, ensuring it holds up well when baked. The seafood is prepared separately, seasoned to enhance its natural flavors. A rich, velvety cheese sauce is then created by combining milk, half-and-half, butter, and olive oil, along with finely chopped onions, garlic, and thyme for added aroma and taste. The addition of Grand Diamond All Purpose Seasoning, hot sauce, and optional liquid crab boil gives the sauce a subtle kick and a touch of heat.
Once the sauce is prepared, it’s mixed with the pasta, and the seafood is layered in a baking dish along with additional cheese. The final touch involves baking the dish until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the seafood is fully cooked.
Recipe for Lobster, Crab, and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients:
1 lb penne or large elbow pasta
3 cups whole milk
2 cups half & half
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup diced onion
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
1-2 cloves minced garlic
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
1-2 tbsp Grand Diamond All Purpose Seasoning
2-3 tsp hot sauce or Tabasco
1-2 tsp liquid crab boil (optional)
3 cups grated Gouda or Monterey Jack cheese
3 cups grated Muenster or mild Cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
1 lb raw, deveined shrimp (tails removed)
½-¾ lb chopped lobster (raw or pre-steamed)
½-¾ lb lump crab meat
Nonstick cooking spray (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare, chop, and dice all ingredients. Grate the cheeses and mix them in a large bowl.
Season the shrimp and lobster, then set them aside.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large stock pot, season with 3 tablespoons of salt, and cook the pasta until just al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Preheat the milk and half & half in the microwave for 3-4 minutes.
In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions until soft, then stir in the flour to make a roux. Cook for 2 minutes without browning.
Add garlic and thyme, cook for another minute. Whisk in the milk mixture until smooth. Add salt, pepper, Grand Diamond seasoning, hot sauce, and optional crab boil. Simmer until thickened, whisking occasionally.
Stir in 3 cups of the grated cheeses until melted and combined. Mix in the drained pasta.
In a lightly sprayed 9×13 baking dish, layer half of the macaroni and cheese, followed by half the seafood and 2 cups of reserved cheese. Repeat with remaining macaroni and cheese, seafood, and cheese.
Bake covered with foil at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove the cover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the seafood is cooked through.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions
While the original recipe is a showstopper, there are numerous ways to adapt it to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
- Cheese Variations:
- Cheddar and Parmesan: For a sharper flavor, substitute some of the Gouda and Muenster with sharp Cheddar and Parmesan. This combination adds a tangy bite and a slightly grainy texture to the sauce.
- Smoked Cheeses: Incorporate smoked Gouda or smoked Cheddar to introduce a smoky undertone to the dish, complementing the seafood beautifully.
- Seafood Substitutions:
- Scallops: Swap out the crab or lobster for scallops. Their sweet and delicate flavor pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese sauce.
- White Fish: Use chunks of a firm white fish like cod or haddock for a milder taste that still offers a delightful seafood essence.
- Healthier Options:
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Substitute regular pasta with whole wheat pasta for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.
- Reduced-Fat Dairy: Use reduced-fat milk and cheese to lower the dish’s overall fat content without sacrificing too much of the creamy texture.
- Spicy Twist:
- Jalapenos: Add finely chopped jalapenos to the cheese sauce for an extra spicy kick.
- Cajun Seasoning: Replace the Grand Diamond All Purpose Seasoning with Cajun seasoning to give the dish a Southern flair.
- Vegetarian Version:
- Vegetables: Replace the seafood with a variety of vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, and mushrooms. These vegetables can be sautéed and layered similarly to the seafood.
- Plant-Based Cheeses: Use plant-based cheeses to make the dish suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies.
Making the Dish Ahead and Reheating
This dish can be conveniently prepared a day in advance. Assemble it up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply follow the original baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chilled temperature. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven. Cover the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out, and bake until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Lobster, Crab, and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese is a rich and hearty dish that can stand alone as the main course. However, it pairs well with light, refreshing sides that balance its richness. Consider serving it with:
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creamy richness of the macaroni and cheese.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed asparagus or green beans add a crisp texture and a pop of color to the plate.
- Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread complements the cheesy flavors and offers a satisfying crunch.
Final Thoughts
Lobster, Crab, and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese is a delightful twist on a classic dish, offering a gourmet experience that’s perfect for special occasions or indulgent weeknight dinners. The combination of creamy, cheesy pasta and tender seafood creates a dish that’s both comforting and luxurious. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try one of the suggested variations, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.
This delightful dish promises a rich, flavorful experience, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special celebration, Lobster, Crab, and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese is sure to impress.
Lobster, Crab and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne or large elbow pasta
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups half & half
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1-2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 1-2 tbsp Grand Diamond All Purpose Seasoning
- 2-3 tsp hot sauce or Tabasco
- 1-2 tsp liquid crab boil optional
- 3 cups grated Gouda or Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 cups grated Muenster or mild Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 1 lb raw deveined shrimp (tails removed)
- 1/2-3/4 lb chopped lobster raw or pre-steamed
- 1/2-3/4 lb lump crab meat
- Nonstick cooking spray optional
Instructions
- Grate the cheeses and mix them in a large bowl. Season the shrimp and lobster with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Grand Diamond All Purpose Seasoning. Set aside.
- Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Season with 3 tablespoons of salt. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Preheat the milk and half & half in the microwave for 3-4 minutes.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for 2 minutes without browning. Add garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional minute.
- Gradually whisk in the heated milk mixture until smooth. Add salt, pepper, Grand Diamond All Purpose Seasoning, hot sauce, and optional crab boil. Simmer, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 3 cups of the grated cheeses until fully melted and combined. Mix in the drained pasta.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Layer half of the macaroni and cheese in the dish, followed by half the seafood and 2 cups of the reserved cheese. Repeat with the remaining macaroni and cheese, seafood, and cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the seafood is fully cooked.
- Serve the Lobster, Crab, and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese hot. Pair with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
