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!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot, heat 8 cups of water to a boil. Add the bay leaf and 1 tablespoon of salt.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, forming a roux.

Step 6

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Step 7

Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses, mixing until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 8

Combine the cooked pasta, octopus, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix until evenly coated.

Step 9

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

Step 10

Sprinkle the top with bread crumbs for a crunchy topping.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3769.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4277.2

Total Fat 252.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 137.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 914.0mg	0%
Sodium 7438.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 269.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.1g	0%
Total Sugars 34.7g
Protein 212.1g	0%

Vitamin D 257.4IU	0%
Calcium 3623.0mg	0%
Iron 36.9mg	0%
Potassium 3789.0mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.1%

Protein: 20.2%

Carbs: 25.7%