Blackened Salmon Mac & Cheese (EBT-Friendly)
This recipe is part of our EBT Surf & Turf Collection.
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: $10–14 total
Cost Per Serving: $2.50–$3.50
Why You’ll Love It
Creamy homemade mac and cheese topped with flaky blackened salmon feels like something you’d order at a trendy gastropub. The rich, cheesy pasta pairs perfectly with smoky, seasoned salmon, creating a meal that’s comforting, filling, and surprisingly affordable.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: ~560
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~38g
Fat: ~28g
Ingredients:
Blackened Salmon
- 1 salmon
- 1 paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- pinch cayenne (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Mac & Cheese
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the Macaroni
- Fill a large pot with water.
- Add 1 tablespoon salt.
- Bring to a boil.
- Add the macaroni.
- Cook according to package directions, usually 7–8 minutes.
Drain and set aside.
Do not rinse the pasta.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon
Season the Salmon
Pat the salmon dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine:
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the salmon.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Oven Method
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Place the salmon on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for:
10–14 minutes
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Remove from the oven and allow it to rest while you prepare the cheese sauce.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
Create the Base
While the salmon cooks:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the flour.
- Whisk constantly for 1 minute.
This removes the raw flour taste.
Add the Milk
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously.
Continue whisking until smooth.
Cook for:
3–5 minutes
until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Finish the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low.
Add:
- Cheddar cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Finish the Mac & Cheese
Combine
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce.
Stir until every piece of pasta is coated.
If the sauce becomes too thick:
- Add 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Stir until creamy
Step 7: Flake the Salmon
Break Into Chunks
Using a fork:
- Flake the salmon into large pieces.
- Remove the skin if desired.
Try not to break it up too much—the larger chunks create a more restaurant-style presentation.
Step 8: Build the Bowls
Assemble & Serve
Divide the mac and cheese among 4 bowls.
Top each serving with:
- Blackened salmon
Serve immediately while hot.
Budget Stretch Version
Looking to Lower the Cost?
Replace fresh salmon with:
- 2 cans salmon
You’ll still get excellent flavor while significantly reducing the overall meal cost.
Optional Upgrades
Restaurant Version
Add:
- Sliced green onions
Extra Creamy Version
Replace:
- ½ cup milk
with:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
Cajun Version
- Increase the blackening seasoning
- Add a dash of hot sauce
Vegetable Boost
Serve with:
- Roasted broccoli
- Green peas
Leftover Tips
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
For the creamiest texture:
- Add a splash of milk before reheating.
- Stir halfway through warming.
Recipes to Pair with Blackened Salmon Mac & Cheese
Smoky blackened salmon and creamy mac & cheese are balanced by crisp vegetables, while a Strawberry & Pink Grapefruit Spritzer or Gatorade-Inspired Blackberry Margarita adds the perfect refreshing contrast. Finish with tangy Key Lime Pie Bars for a bright, unforgettable ending.
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1-Star Stay Full, Stay Present Meal Plan
