The Ultimate Comfort Food: Crab and Shrimp Mac and Cheese with Beer

As the weather cools down, our cravings for hearty, comforting dishes start to heat up. One classic comfort food that never goes out of style is macaroni and cheese, but why settle for plain old mac when you can take it to the next level by adding fresh crab and shrimp? This indulgent recipe combines the rich flavors of seafood with the creamy goodness of beer-infused mac and cheese, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.

The key to this recipe's success lies in its simplicity. You'll need just a few ingredients, including 1/2 pound of large sea scallops (muscle removed), 1/2 pound of shrimp (cleaned, peeled, deveined), macaroni, beer-infused cheese sauce, and a sprinkle of paprika for garnish.

To start, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until it's al dente. While that's cooking, heat up some butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add in your scallops and shrimp. Cook until they're pink and lightly browned, then set them aside.

Next, it's time to make the beer-infused cheese sauce. In a separate pot, melt together 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to make a roux. Slowly pour in 1 cup of beer (we recommend using a light-colored beer like pilsner or lager) while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, then stir in 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Once your macaroni is cooked, drain it and add it to the cheese sauce along with your cooked scallops and shrimp. Stir until everything is well combined, then transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top it with additional grated cheese and paprika.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mac and cheese is heated through. Serve hot and enjoy!

This crab and shrimp mac and cheese with beer is sure to become a new favorite in your household. The combination of seafood flavors and creamy cheese sauce is indulgent and delicious, making it perfect for a cozy night in with friends or family. So go ahead, get creative with your comfort food game, and indulge in this ultimate twist on a classic dish!

Crab and shrimp mac and cheese with beer