Okay friend, prepare to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food remix—Seafood Mac and Cheese, but make it low-carb, creamy, and totally decadent. We’re talking buttery cauliflower in place of pasta (yes, it works—just wait!), layered with luscious white cheddar, mozzarella, and melt-in-your-mouth bites of shrimp and crab.

This is the dish that makes you feel fancy and cozy at the same time. It’s perfect for special dinners, potlucks, or when you’re just in the mood for something warm, rich, and downright indulgent. Bonus? It’s gluten-free and keto-friendly without losing any of the cheesy, dreamy magic.

Trust me, this one’s a comfort food game-changer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, cheesy, and absolutely packed with seafood flavor
• Low-carb & gluten-free, but still ultra-comforting
• Perfect for holidays, date nights, or when you’re craving a rich bake
• Customizable—use your favorite seafood or cheeses
• Leftovers reheat like a dream (if you have any!)

Ingredients

For the “Mac” & Cheese Base

• 2 cups cauliflower florets (lightly steamed or blanched)
• 6 oz claw crab meat (drained and checked for shells)
• 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz sour cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons almond flour (or your low-carb thickener of choice)
• 1 spring onion, thinly sliced
• 1 can unsweetened almond milk (or sub heavy cream for richer flavor)
• 8 oz sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and warmth)

For the Topping

• ¼ cup almond flour or crushed pork rinds (as a Panko alternative)
• A little extra shredded cheese (optional, but highly encouraged)
• Cooking spray or oil for greasing your baking dish

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower

Lightly steam or blanch your cauliflower florets until just fork-tender but not mushy—about 3–5 minutes. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Whisk in the almond flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly add almond milk (or cream), whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes until it begins to thicken.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheesy Goodness

Add sour cream, cheddar, mozzarella, spring onion, and paprika (if using) to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Layer

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed cauliflower, crab meat, chopped shrimp, and cheese sauce. Stir gently until everything is coated in cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Assemble and Top

Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil. Spoon the mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Top with almond flour or crushed pork rinds and a bit of extra cheese if you like things extra cheesy (which you do).

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end.

Step 8: Garnish & Serve

Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with more spring onion or fresh herbs if you like, and serve with a squeeze of lemon for a little brightness.

Tips for Cheesy Success

• Don’t overcook the cauliflower—it should hold up to the cheese sauce without turning to mush
• Want a little kick? Add a dash of cayenne or a spoonful of hot sauce to the cheese sauce
• For an even richer flavor, mix in a spoonful of cream cheese with the cheddar
• Not into crab? Swap in lobster, scallops, or go all shrimp

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes! Just steam it until fork-tender and be sure to drain it very well to avoid watery results.

Is this freezer-friendly?
Definitely. Freeze after baking in individual portions. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try dairy-free cheeses and sour cream alternatives, though it may slightly change the texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Seafood Mac and Cheese brings you all the ooey-gooey comfort of the classic dish—with a fun, flavorful, and low-carb twist. It’s indulgent, creamy, and full of seafood richness that makes any dinner feel like a little celebration.

Whether you’re craving something cozy or serving up a showstopper side for guests, this dish delivers every time. So grab that casserole dish, get cheesy, and dig into your next delicious obsession.

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Watch How to Make Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe