Octopus N Cheese
Dive into the ocean of flavor with "Octopus N Cheese," a decadent twist on the classic mac and cheese recipe. This seafood-infused delight brings tender, simmered octopus together with perfectly cooked macaroni, all enveloped in a rich and creamy cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a touch of paprika for warmth. Finished with a buttery breadcrumb topping and baked to golden perfection, this dish offers a sublime contrast of textures—silky cheese, tender octopus, and a crisp crust. Perfect as an elevated comfort food or the star at dinner parties, "Octopus N Cheese" is sure to captivate seafood lovers and adventurous foodies alike. Serve it warm from the oven for a bold and unforgettable flavor experience!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb Octopus (cleaned)
- 8 oz Dried macaroni pasta
- 2 cups Milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1.5 cups Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 tsp Paprika
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 piece Bay leaf
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 8 cups Water
- 0.5 cups Bread crumbs
Instructions
In a large pot, heat 8 cups of water to a boil. Add the bay leaf and 1 tablespoon of salt.
Submerge the cleaned octopus in the boiling water and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 25-30 minutes, or until tender. Remove the octopus, let it cool slightly, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chopped octopus and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, forming a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses, mixing until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Combine the cooked pasta, octopus, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix until evenly coated.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
Sprinkle the top with bread crumbs for a crunchy topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4277 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 252.3 g | 323% | |
| Saturated Fat | 137.5 g | 688% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 914 mg | 305% | |
| Sodium | 7438 mg | 323% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 269.5 g | 98% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.1 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.7 g | ||
| Protein | 212.1 g | 424% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.4 mcg | 32% | |
| Calcium | 3623 mg | 279% | |
| Iron | 36.9 mg | 205% | |
| Potassium | 3789 mg | 81% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
