Surf and Turf Macaroni and Cheese
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By: Jack Mancuso
Macaroni and cheese is a classic. For many households, it’s a go-to quick meal. In my journeys as a cook, I’ve played with various incarnations of macaroni and cheese, including
- Steak and Lobster Mac n Cheese
- Pulled Pork Mac n Cheese
- Buffalo Fried Chicken Mac n Cheese
- Lobster with Truffle Oil Mac n Cheese
From this list, the flexibility of macaroni and cheese is pretty obvious. It gives you tremendous rein to put your imagination to work.
Today, I present to you a recipe fit for royalty. Surf and Turf Mac 7 Cheese. We have seen meat and shellfish pair beautifully with smooth, silky cheese. Why not put them together for the ultimate indulgence?
INGREDIENTS
1 lb elbow macaroni
1 stick unsalted butter
½ c all-purpose flour
1 c cream
1 tbsp Cuso’s Seasoning **
2 c whole milk ricotta
2 c sour cream
4 c shredded cheese (Cheddar, Colby Jack, Gruyere, Fontina - one or all mixed)
1 ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ c chopped lobster meat
1 ½ c grilled ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces
There are three of our natural seasonings you may enjoy for your mac and cheese creation:
- Cuso’s Dust Seasoning: Smoky with a hint of hickory
- Cuso’s Smoky Garlic Buffalo Seasoning: Adds a little heat to the dish
- Cuso’s Roasted Onion Garlic Seasoning: Two flavors that marry beautifully with cheese, meat, and seafood.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350F
- Cook the pasta to al dente per the package directions. Set aside
- Melt the butter in a saucier
- Slowly stir in the flour to create a paste
- Now add the cream a little at a time (a roux)
- When those are all incorporated, add seasoning, ricotta, sour cream, cheese, and Worcestershire
- Stir constantly until the cheese melts completely
- Use a large bowl (or the boiling pan) to mix the pasta and cheese together
- Add the lobster and steak
- Use spray oil on a casserole dish
- Pour the mac and cheese into it.
- Bake for 30 minutes until it’s golden brown
PitMaster’s Memo
For another layer of decadence, prepare buttered breadcrumbs for the top of the casserole. Just melt two tablespoons of butter and stir in one cup of seasoned breadcrumbs. Sprinkle on the top before the casserole goes into the oven.
Sides
Apple-bacon slaw
Classic glazed carrots
Dilly asparagus
Roasted broccoli
Succotash
Desserts
Berry compote with bread
Coconut lemon tarts
Deep-fried ice cream
Peach cobbler
Vanilla custard
From the Bar
Dark rum
Gin with a splash of vermouth
Lambrusco
Orange juice
White Ale
