Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food—but when you add lobster, crab, and shrimp, it transforms into a luxurious dish worthy of special occasions. This seafood mac and cheese blends creamy pasta with tender bites of lobster, sweet crab, and juicy shrimp, all enveloped in a rich sauce made from Gouda, Muenster, and Gruyere. It’s decadent, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A gourmet twist on a beloved classic.
- Creamy, cheesy sauce with layers of flavor.
- Succulent seafood adds richness and elegance.
- Perfect for celebrations or indulgent weeknight dinners.
- Customizable with different cheeses or seafood swaps.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb penne or elbow pasta
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups half‑and‑half
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup diced onion
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp all‑purpose flour
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tbsp all‑purpose seasoning (like Grand Diamond or Cajun)
- 2–3 tsp hot sauce
- 1–2 tsp liquid crab boil (optional)
- 3 cups Gouda or Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 3 cups Muenster or mild Cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
- ½–¾ lb lobster, chopped
- ½–¾ lb lump crab meat
👩🍳 Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Cook Pasta—Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil.
- Make Roux—In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil. Sauté onion until soft, stir in flour, and cook 2 minutes.
- Build Sauce—Add garlic and thyme, then whisk in warmed milk and half‑and‑half. Season with salt, pepper, seasoning, hot sauce, and optional crab boil. Simmer until thickened.
- Add Cheese—Stir in Gouda, Muenster, and Gruyere until melted. Mix with pasta.
- Layer & Bake—In a greased 9×13 dish, layer half the pasta, half the seafood, and the reserved cheese. Repeat with remaining pasta, seafood, and cheese.
- Bake—Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 minutes more until bubbly and golden.
- Serve—Garnish with parsley and enjoy hot.
🍴 Variations & Substitutions
- Cheese Swap—Try sharp Cheddar, Parmesan, or smoked Gouda for different flavor profiles.
- Seafood Alternatives—Use scallops, cod, or haddock instead of lobster/crab.
- Healthier Option – Whole wheat pasta and reduced‑fat dairy.
- Spicy Kick – Add jalapeños or Cajun seasoning.
- Vegetarian Version—Replace seafood with spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
🧊 Make Ahead & Storage
- Prep Ahead—Assemble up to 1 day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- Leftovers—Store in fridge up to 2 days. Reheat covered in oven to keep moist.
- Freezer Friendly – Freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
Pair this rich dish with:
- Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Steamed asparagus or green beans
- Garlic bread for extra indulgence
🏆 Final Thoughts
This Lobster, Crab & Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort‑meets‑gourmet dish. Creamy, cheesy pasta layered with tender seafood creates a meal that’s both nostalgic and elevated. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something decadent, this recipe is sure to wow your guests and satisfy your cravings.
