Method

Pasta Preparation

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cheese Sauce Preparation

Make the Cheese Sauce

In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes to form a roux.

Add Milk

Gradually whisk in the whole milk. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.

Incorporate Cheeses

Reduce the heat to low. Add the sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese to the pot, stirring until fully melted and combined.

Season the Sauce

Stir in the cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Combine Ingredients

Mix Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated.

Crawfish Topping

Prepare the Crawfish

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the crawfish tails, chopped green onions, paprika, and lemon juice. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until heated through. Set aside.

In a bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter until the crumbs are coated.

Final Assembly

Assemble the Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large baking dish, layer the mac and cheese, then add the crawfish topping evenly over the top. Finally, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the crawfish.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Serve

Serve Hot

Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Loaded Crawfish PepperJax Mac N Cheese!

Loaded Crawfish Pepperjax Mac N Cheese Recipe