Ingredients
- For the Seafood:
- 1 lobster tail cooked and chopped
- 1/2 pound cooked shrimp peeled and deveined, chopped if large
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat
- For the Macaroni and Cheese:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta shape
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a bit of heat
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
- Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add the Seafood:
- Gently fold in the chopped lobster, shrimp, and crab meat until well combined.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your luxurious Lobster, Crab, and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese!
