Seafood Mac Cheese Bake

Seafood Mac & Cheese Bake is the ultimate comfort dish for when you want a rich, indulgent meal that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. Tender elbow macaroni is smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce and layered with succulent shrimp, lump crab meat, and crawfish tails. The final oven bake adds a golden crust that makes each bite irresistibly cozy. This casserole shines for family dinners or any gathering where seafood lovers want a hearty, flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese.

I first made this recipe at a family get together and was amazed how fast it disappeared. Since then it has become my go to dish for potlucks because everyone keeps asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• Macaroni noodles: Use a sturdy elbow macaroni so the pasta holds the sauce well after baking
• Velveeta cheese: Melts smoothly and adds that signature creamy cheesiness
• Colby Jack cheese: Brings flavor and gooey meltability best if freshly shredded
• Heavy whipping cream: Adds silkiness and richness to the cheese sauce
• Unsalted butter: Helps control salt levels and adds a smooth mouthfeel
• Cream of chicken soup: Provides body and savory depth to the sauce Choose a low sodium brand if watching salt
• Jumbo shrimp: Peeled and deveined for easy cooking Select wild caught for better flavor
• Lump crab meat: Offers sweet richness Drain well so your bake is not watery
• Crawfish tails: Give an authentic Southern seafood note Make sure they are thawed and rinsed
• Seafood seasoning like Kinders: Enhances the ocean flavors Pick a blend you love and adjust salt accordingly
• Cajun seasoning: Adds a southern spicy kick Use your favorite mix for heat level
• Garlic powder: Rounds out savory notes Use fresh for best aroma
• Accent flavor enhancer: Optional but adds umami depth Use sparingly and taste as you go
• Black pepper: Adds warmth to balance the richness Use fresh ground for best taste
• Chopped parsley: Brightens the dish visually and gives a fresh finish Choose vibrant greens

Instructions

Make the Cheese Sauce:

In a saucepan over low heat combine heavy whipping cream cream of chicken soup and cubed Velveeta cheese Stir constantly for about ten minutes until the cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth and silky

Season the Sauce:

Add seafood seasoning Cajun spice garlic powder accent flavor enhancer and black pepper Stir well so the spices blend uniformly This step builds a boldly seasoned base for the bake

Boil the Pasta:

Cook macaroni in plenty of salted water following package directions until just al dente Drain well then transfer to a large buttered baking dish to prevent sticking

Sauté the Crawfish:

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat Add crawfish tails and a pinch of seafood seasoning Cook for two to three minutes to warm through and lightly season Remove and set aside

Warm the Crab Meat:

In the same skillet add a little more butter Gently warm lump crab meat for about one minute Season lightly to highlight sweetness Remove from heat and set aside

Cook the Shrimp:

Season shrimp with seafood blend then sauté in hot skillet with butter or air fry until shrimp turn opaque and just cooked This keeps shrimp plump and juicy

Assemble the Casserole:

Pour half of the cheese sauce over the macaroni and sprinkle a handful of shredded Colby Jack cheese Stir gently ensuring all noodles are coated

Add Seafood Layers:

Evenly arrange cooked crawfish tails lump crab meat and shrimp over the macaroni Avoid crowding to ensure even baking

Top and Finish:

Pour remaining cheese sauce over seafood layer then sprinkle the leftover Colby Jack cheese Garnish with extra crawfish tails and chopped parsley for color

Bake:

Place casserole in oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden at the edges Serve immediately

Colby Jack cheese is my secret weapon in this dish Its gooey melt perfectly binds the seafood and pasta. One of my favorite memories is sharing this bake after a seaside vacation. My kids always rush to grab the slice with the crispiest golden top.

Storage Tips

Allow the casserole to cool fully before covering Refrigerate leftovers for up to three days Reheat covered in the oven to keep cheese moist or microwave single portions for convenience

Ingredient Substitutions

Any firm seafood can replace or supplement the trio Scallops or white fish are good options Substitute Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar for Colby Jack for more bite Use half and half in place of heavy cream for a lighter but still creamy sauce

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans A splash of lemon juice brightens the richness Perfect for coastal inspired meals alongside cornbread and hot sauce

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting blend of creamy cheese and seafood. Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What seafood varieties work best in this bake?

Shrimp, lump crab meat, and crawfish tails complement each other well. You can substitute lobster or firm white fish if preferred.

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, Velveeta and Colby Jack are ideal for creamy melt, but cheddar or Monterey Jack also provide great flavor variations.

→ How do I keep the macaroni from getting mushy?

Cook pasta just until al dente, drain well, and bake for a short time to maintain firm texture.

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

Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate covered, then bake as directed, adding extra minutes if baked from cold.

→ Which seasonings enhance the seafood flavor?

Cajun seasoning, seafood blend, and garlic powder highlight the seafood's natural sweetness and add complexity.

→ Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add hot sauce to suit your preferred spice level.