Best 2 Crawfish Mac And Cheese Recipes

**Crawfish Mac and Cheese: A Louisiana Classic with a Twist**

Indulge in a taste of Louisiana with this exceptional Crawfish Mac and Cheese recipe. This dish combines the classic comfort of mac and cheese with the unique flavor of crawfish, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Immerse yourself in the cheesy goodness of a creamy sauce, perfectly cooked macaroni, and succulent crawfish, all blended together in harmonious delight. Discover the perfect balance of flavors and textures as you explore the three variations provided in this article: the traditional Crawfish Mac and Cheese, the spicy Crawfish Mac and Cheese with a kick, and the decadent Crawfish Mac and Cheese with a cheesy crust. Prepare to elevate your mac and cheese experience with this Louisiana gem, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CRAWFISH MAC AND CHEESE

Crawfish Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Wanna Make This?

Categories main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

Kosher salt
6 ounces elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces shredded mozzarella
8 ounces pepper jack cheese, grated
4 ounces cream cheese
1 pound frozen, shelled crawfish tails, defrosted

Steps:

Bring a large pot filled with water to a boil over high heat; salt it generously. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Preheat the broiler to high.
Heat a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter, then add the onions. Cook until the onions soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Then stir in the garlic, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the pepper and cook for another minute. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the pan to melt. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and stir until it turns a deep blonde color and has a nutty aroma, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk. Cook, whisking frequently, until it starts to thicken. Then add the cream and thicken for another 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the cheeses until melted. Add the crawfish to the sauce, and then fold in the macaroni until coated. Remove from the heat.
Divide the mac and cheese among 8 large ramekins or cast-iron skillets. Broil until the tops of the noodles are golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly, then serve warm.

CRAWFISH MAC AND CHEESE

Crawfish Mac and Cheese image

Make and share this Crawfish Mac and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by gailanng

Categories One Dish Meal

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup diced pancetta
1/2 cup small diced onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups milk or 3 cups half-and-half
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1 lb cooked and peeled crawfish tail, with any fat
1 lb orecchiette or 1 small shell pasta, cooked al dente, drained
4 ounces grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
4 ounces grated white cheddar cheese
4 ounces grated gruyere
4 ounces grated fontina
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon Emeril's Original Essence (or Cajun seasoning)

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Set a large, wide-mouthed 6-quart pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and pancetta to the pot and cook the pancetta until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the onions and garlic to the pan and cook until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the butter and flour and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the milk or half-and-half and whisk until smooth. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to a simmer. Season with the salt, white pepper, and nutmeg and cook for 3 minutes. Add the crawfish to the pot and stir to combine. Remove from the heat and fold in the cooked pasta and grated cheeses. Stir to combine well.
Transfer to a 3-quart baking dish such as a 9 by 13-inch casserole. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs with the Essence and sprinkle over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered until golden brown and bubbling, 40 to 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 633.4, Fat 29, SaturatedFat 15.6, Cholesterol 138.6, Sodium 845.1, Carbohydrate 55, Fiber 2.4, Sugar 2.7, Protein 36.8

Tips:

Use fresh crawfish. Fresh crawfish will give your mac and cheese the best flavor. If you can't find fresh crawfish, you can use frozen crawfish, but make sure to thaw them before using.
Cook the crawfish properly. Crawfish should be cooked until they are pink and opaque. Overcooked crawfish will be tough and chewy.
Use a good quality cheese. The type of cheese you use will greatly affect the flavor of your mac and cheese. Use a cheese that melts well and has a good flavor. Some good options include sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan.
Don't overcook the pasta. The pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and unpleasant.
Add some spice. Crawfish mac and cheese can be a little bland, so don't be afraid to add some spice. Cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder are all good options.

Conclusion:

Crawfish mac and cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It's a great way to use up leftover crawfish, and it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give crawfish mac and cheese a try. You won't be disappointed!