π§ Soul Food Seafood Macaroni and Cheese: A Comforting Classic! π¦
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- Elbow Macaroni: 1 pound
- Butter: 4 tablespoons
- All-Purpose Flour: ΒΌ cup
- Milk: 3 cups (whole or 2%)
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Monterey Jack Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened
- Cooked Seafood (Shrimp, Crab, or a mix): 1 pound, chopped
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: Β½ teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: Β½ teaspoon
- Bread Crumbs: 1 cup (for topping)
- Parsley: ΒΌ cup, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly to create a roux.
- Add Milk and Cream:
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and is smooth (about 5-7 minutes).
- Incorporate Cheese:
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and cream cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season the Sauce:
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Combine Pasta and Seafood:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce. Gently fold in the chopped seafood until well distributed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Topping:
- Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350Β°F (175Β°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.