Seafood Mac Cheese Bake

This ultra-creamy seafood mac and cheese bake pulls together crowd-pleasing comfort with the briny richness of shrimp, crab, and crawfish. Bubbly cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and generous seafood make it a star for special gatherings or when you simply crave decadent flavors.

This recipe first came about for a Mardi Gras potluck. It was such a hit that my sister requests it for every birthday dinner now. You will be shocked how quickly this pan disappears

Ingredients

• Macaroni noodles: Essential for any baked mac delivers perfect chewy texture. Choose a quality brand for best results
• Velveeta cheese or your favorite melting cheese: Gives smooth melt and creamy body. Select fresh blocks if possible for better flavor
• Colby Jack cheese: Layers on extra flavor and a gorgeous cheesy top
• Heavy whipping cream: Creates that luscious sauce you cannot resist. Opt for good quality cream
• Butter: Adds richness and rounds out the sauce. Use unsalted for better control
• Cream of chicken soup: Lends savory depth. Look for low-sodium if preferred
• Jumbo shrimp: Brings juicy sweet seafood bites. Choose peeled and deveined for convenience
• Lump crab meat: Adds tender chunks with delicate taste. Pick wild-caught for freshness
• Crawfish tails: Provide authentic Louisiana flair and hearty texture. Rinse well before using
• Kinder's Seafood Blend Seasoning Mix: Delivers well-balanced ocean flavor. Trust your favorite seafood blend if you love that brand
• Cajun seasoning: Brings a gentle kick and layers of flavor. The Slap Ya Mama brand is classic but use your own favorite
• Garlic powder: Boosts umami. Fresh is best but powder works perfectly
• Accent flavor enhancer: Rounds out the savoriness. Skip if you are sensitive or prefer not to use
• Ground black pepper: Gives mild heat and aroma
• Chopped parsley: For fresh color and brightness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Cheese Sauce:

In a saucepan over low heat combine heavy whipping cream cream of chicken soup and cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir constantly until cheese is completely melted and mixture is smooth and glossy. This is your flavor-packed base so be patient with low heat to avoid scorching

Season the Cheese Sauce:

Add Kinder's Seafood Blend Cajun seasoning garlic powder Accent and black pepper to your melted cheese sauce. Stir well until all seasonings are completely dissolved. Taste and adjust salt or seasoning as desired. This infuses every bite with savory depth

Cook Macaroni:

Boil macaroni noodles in salted water until just al dente. Drain thoroughly so you do not water down the sauce. Transfer noodles into a large buttered baking dish to prevent sticking later

Sauté the Crawfish:

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat then add crawfish tails and a sprinkling of your seafood seasoning. Sauté for about two to three minutes just to warm through and coat in butter. Overcooking makes crawfish tough so watch closely. Remove from the skillet and set aside

Warm the Crab:

Add a touch more butter to the same skillet and gently warm lump crab meat sprinkling lightly with seafood seasoning. Only heat for one or two minutes. Set aside so crab stays tender

Cook Shrimp:

Pat the shrimp dry and season with seafood blend. Sauté quickly in butter in your skillet or cook in an air fryer until opaque and just firm. Avoid overcooking for best juicy texture

Assemble the Casserole:

Pour half of your hot cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni in the baking dish. Scatter a portion of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top and stir so everything is coated and cheesy

Add the Seafood:

Evenly distribute sautéed crawfish tails warmed crab meat and cooked shrimp over the mac and cheese mixture making sure every scoop has a bit of seafood

Top with More Cheese Sauce and Cheese:

Pour the remaining cheese sauce on top followed by the rest of the shredded Colby Jack cheese. Garnish with any extra crawfish tails and chopped fresh parsley for color

Bake to Perfection:

Place in a preheated oven at 177 C or 350 F. Bake for ten to fifteen minutes until the cheese is melty and the top is turning golden brown. Serve piping hot to enjoy at its creamiest

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I love the combination of sweet crab and sharp Colby Jack in every bite. Once during a family reunion we doubled the recipe and barely saved a scoop for lunch the next day. True Southern comfort food magic

Storage Tips

This casserole stores beautifully. Cool leftovers quickly and wrap the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate and enjoy within three days for best taste. Reheat in the oven covered at a low temperature to keep things creamy

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out seafood based on what is available. Lobster chunks work wonders if crab or crawfish are unavailable and scallops are an excellent addition too. Monterey Jack cheese can stand in for Colby Jack. For a lighter version use half and half in place of heavy cream though it will be less rich

Serving Suggestions

This bake is hearty enough to be the main attraction. I like to pair it with a crisp green salad and hot garlic bread to balance the richness. Add a side of roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans for festive dinners

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Cultural and Historical Context

Seafood mac and cheese became popular in Gulf Coast states where shellfish is abundant and Southern families know how to turn a party casserole into an event. This version nods to classic Louisiana flavors with crawfish and Cajun spice

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can other cheeses be used instead of Velveeta or Colby Jack?

Yes, feel free to substitute your favorite melty or sharp cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gouda, to customize the flavor.

→ How can I prevent the seafood from becoming tough?

Sauté shrimp, crab, and crawfish only until just cooked through. Avoid overcooking, as this ensures the seafood stays tender and juicy.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the components in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best texture and flavor.

→ What sides pair well with this baked pasta?

Simple green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement the rich and creamy flavors of the main dish.

→ Can other seafood varieties be included?

Yes, scallops or diced firm white fish can be added or substituted to suit your preference and availability.