Let me introduce you to one of my favorite macaroni and cheese varieties! This Cajun crawfish mac and cheese is modeled after a menu item at one of my favorite local eateries. The first time I had it, I knew I had to make my own version at home! And this crawfish tails recipe is ready in under 30 minutes – making it doable even for work nights!
When your finished with this post, head on over to my spicy crawfish queso recipe to see how I make queso first and then use the leftover queso for this crawfish mac and cheese!
Where Can You Buy Crawfish Tails?
One of the things that makes this recipe so simple is the use of frozen crawfish tails. I just take out the package from the freeze and thaw it in some cold water for a few minutes. And…bam…ready to go!
I usually buy frozen crawfish tails at Walmart or Kroger. We purchase Riceland crawfish tails at Kroger, Walmart and most other grocery retailers.
What is the Taste of Crawfish Tails?
I grew up eating Creole food. For me, the taste of crawfish tails is a combination of crab meat and shrimp. If you like crab meat in crab cakes and you like shrimp, you will be fine with crawfish tails, I think.
What is the Best Cheese for Crawfish Mac and Cheese?
I use two different cheeses in my crawfish mac and cheese recipe. One is sharp or medium cheddar – shredded beforehand.
I’m a huge fan of Oaxaca cheese. It is the best melting cheese. Many authentic Mexican restaurants use Oaxaca cheese in the cheesy dishes.
All you need is the cheese, the tomatoes, the jalapenos, and seasonings mixed with a little milk and you will have ooey gooey cheesy goodness!
What To Serve with Cajun Crawfish Mac and Cheese?
This macaroni and cheese with crawfish is meant to be a main dish. Therefore, you just need to add a crusty bread and a vegetable or salad to accompany it.
- House salad or caesar salad
- Steamed broccoli
- French bread or garlic toast
Crawfish Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Crawfish Tails
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 16 oz Crawfish tails frozen and thawed
- 3 Garlic Cloves or 3/4 tsp garlic powder
Queso Ingredients
- 10 oz Can Rotel with green chiles not drained
- ⅙ cup Pickled jalapenos diced, with juice
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup Oaxaca cheese shredded (can substitute Monterrey Jack)
- 1½ tbsp Slap Ya Mama seasoning or any other preferred Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
Pasta
- 16 oz Macaroni elbow, shells, or rotini
Instructions
Cook Pasta
- In a medium stock pot, cook pasta according to al dente instructions on package. Drain and set aside.
To Cook Crawfish
- In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often.
- Add crawfish tails and sautee for 2-3 minutes and stir several times before removing from heat.
To Prepare Crawfish Mac and Cheese
- In a medium pot, add Rotel, jalapenos, cheese, and seasoning to pot.
- Whisk cornstarch into milk.*
- Add milk to pot.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring often for 5-10 minutes until queso is melted and gooey.
- Stir cooked crawfish and drained pasta into the cheese dip until well blended.
- Top macaroni and cheese with green onions and serve warm with a side of bread and leafy salad.
Notes
Nutrition
Check Out Our Other Favorite Main Dishes with Pasta
If you liked this macaroni and cheese with crawfish, check out our other favorite main dishes at Planted in Arkansas!
Southwest Pasta with Black Beans and Ground Beef
Chicken Soup with Amish Noodles
Black Eye Pea Soup with Tortellini and Sausage
Sausage and Squash Skillet with Orzo
Tallerine (Beef Noodle Casserole)
Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach
Leave a Reply