Crayfish Mac and Cheese

A luxurious twist on the classic comfort food, featuring sweet crayfish tails in a creamy cheese sauce.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

For the Pasta

• 400g Monty & Sons Short Rigatoni

• Salt for pasta water

For the Crayfish

• 500g cooked crayfish tails, peeled and roughly chopped

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons brandy or white wine (optional)

• Salt and white pepper to taste

For the Cheese Sauce

• 60g butter

• 60g plain flour

• 600ml whole milk, warmed

• 200ml heavy cream

• 200g sharp cheddar cheese, grated

• 100g gruyere cheese, grated

• 50g parmesan cheese, grated

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and white pepper to taste

• Pinch of nutmeg

For the Topping

• 100g panko breadcrumbs

• 50g butter, melted

• 50g parmesan cheese, grated

• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan)

2. Cook pasta in heavily salted boiling water until just shy of al dente

3. Drain and set aside

Step 2: Prepare the Crayfish

1. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large pan over medium heat

2. Add crayfish tails and sauté gently for 2-3 minutes

3. If using, add brandy or wine and let it cook off

4. Season lightly with salt and white pepper

5. Remove from heat and set aside

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt 60g butter over medium heat

2. Whisk in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes to make a roux (don't let it brown)

3. Gradually whisk in the warm milk, ensuring no lumps form

4. Add cream and bring to a gentle simmer

5. Cook for 5-10 minutes until thickened, stirring constantly

6. Remove from heat and whisk in the cheeses, one handful at a time

7. Add mustard, cayenne, paprika, and nutmeg

8. Season generously with salt and white pepper

9. Taste and adjust seasoning

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

1. Butter a large baking dish (approximately 23x33cm)

2. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine

3. Gently fold in the sautéed crayfish tails

4. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

1. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, parmesan, chives, and paprika

2. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling

2. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving