Lobster, Crab And Shrimp Macaroni And Cheese

Ingredients:

1 Pound Penne Pasta or Large Elbow Pasta

3 Cups Whole Milk

2 Cups Half & Half

1 Tablespoon Butter

2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

¼ Cup Onion, diced

1 Tablespoon Fresh Thyme, chopped

1 to 2 Cloves Fresh Garlic, finely minced

3 Level Tablespoons All Purpose Flour

To Taste Kosher Salt

To Taste Black Pepper

To Taste or 1 to 2 Tablespoons Grand Diamond All Purpose Seasoning

To Taste or 2 to 3 Teaspoons Hot Sauce or Tabasco

1 to 2 Teaspoons Liquid Crab Boil, (optional) (careful, it can be spicy but it adds a nice seafood flavor)

3 Cups (about 12 Ounces) Gouda Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese , grated

3 Cups (about 8 Ounces) Muenster Cheese or Mild Cheddar Cheese, grated

1 Cup (a little less than 4 Ounces) Gruyere Cheese, grated

1 Pound Shrimp, raw, deveined, tail removed, Size 14-16 or 31-40

½ to ¾ Pound Lobster, raw or pre-steamed, chopped into chunks (3 to 4 small lobster tails will do)

½ to ¾ Pound Lump Crab, your choice

Nonstick Cooking Spray, optional

Instructions:

Note: Store bought lobster that has been steamed/precooked along with your choice of lump crab meat works great for this recipe.

Prepare, chop, and dice all of the ingredients first.

Grate all of the cheeses and toss together in one large bowl.Season the shrimp and lobster. Set aside.Preheat oven to 350 degreesIn a large stock pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil over high heat.

Season the boiling water, with 3 Tablespoons of salt.

Cook until just al dente or 2 minutes short of the suggested cooking time on the package.

Once done, drain the pasta, DO NOT rinse, and toss with 1 or 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil to keep it from sticking together while the sauce is being cooked.

Preheat the milk and half & half together in the microwave, about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, in a large skillet melt the butter and olive oil together over medium-high heat.

Add the onions and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes or until soft.

Add and stir in the flour, cook for about 2 minutes. (This is a roux. Do not brown it.) Add the chopped garlic and thyme, cook for another minute.

Next, while whisking vigorously add all of the milk mixture to the roux. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and has no lumps. Once it’s smooth, turn the heat down to medium heat.

Add the salt, pepper, Grand Diamond All Purpose Seasoning, hot sauce, and optional liquid crab boil to taste.

Simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.

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Whisk occasionally to keep it from sticking.

Next, add 3 cups of the grated chesses to the sauce (reserve 4 cups for layering), turn off the heat and stir just until the cheese melts and the sauce is combined. Stir in the drained pasta.

In a lightly sprayed 9×13 baking dish, pour in half of the macaroni & cheese. Next, place the first layer of seafood, using half of each. Sprinkle 2 cups of the reserved cheeses.

Add the next layer of macaroni & cheese, repeat layering of seafood, and top with the final 2 cups of cheese. Bake COVERED with aluminum foil at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Remove the cover and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes or just until the cheese is fully melted and the seafood is fully cooked. Serve hot.

Note: This dish can be prepared and assemble a day in advance, covered, refrigerated, and baked off the following day. When reheating leftovers be sure to cover.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-cooked seafood for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked seafood, like pre-steamed lobster and lump crab meat.

It can save time, and the recipe will still turn out delicious.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the dish?

Absolutely. You can adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of hot sauce or Tabasco you add.

Start with a smaller amount and increase to your taste preference.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare and assemble the dish a day in advance, refrigerate it, and then bake it off the following day.

Just be sure to cover it when reheating leftovers.

Are there any alternatives to the listed cheeses?

While the specific cheese varieties mentioned in the recipe are recommended for their flavor, you can use other cheese varieties that you prefer, such as cheddar, Swiss, or Gouda, to suit your taste.

Can I make a smaller batch of this recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the quantities to make a smaller batch to suit your needs.

Simply reduce the ingredients proportionally and use a smaller baking dish.

Can I use different types of pasta in this dish?

While the recipe calls for penne or large elbow pasta, you can use other pasta shapes like macaroni, rotini, or shells if you prefer.

Is there a substitute for liquid crab boil if I don’t want it too spicy?

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can skip the liquid crab boil.

It’s optional and can be omitted if you want to reduce spiciness.

Can I use pre-cooked lobster and crab for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked lobster and lump crab meat, which can save time.

Simply add them during the layering step.

Can I make this dish without seafood for a vegetarian version?

Absolutely, you can omit the seafood and make a delicious vegetarian macaroni and cheese using the same base ingredients and method.

What can I serve as a side dish with this macaroni and cheese?

You can serve this rich and hearty dish with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal.