Lobster mac and cheese takes classic comfort food to the next level. This luxurious dish pairs tender chunks of lobster with creamy, cheesy pasta, all topped with a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving an indulgent meal, this recipe is a showstopper. It’s surprisingly easy to make but delivers restaurant-quality results every time.
Equipment:
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Medium saucepan (for cheese sauce)
- Baking dish (9×13-inch or similar)
- Whisk
- Mixing spoon
- Small bowl (for breadcrumbs)
Ingredients:
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lb cooked lobster meat, roughly chopped
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens. - Add the Cheese:
Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - Combine with Pasta and Lobster:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and chopped lobster meat. Stir gently to coat the pasta and lobster evenly with the sauce. - Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and parsley (if using). - Assemble and Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy. - Serve:
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with every bite of tender lobster.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve in individual ramekins for an elegant touch.
- Garnish with additional parsley or a drizzle of melted butter for a glossy finish.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Use fresh lobster for the best flavor, but frozen or canned lobster can work in a pinch.
- Substitute Gruyère with Fontina or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Add a touch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a slight kick in the cheese sauce.
- Prepare ahead by assembling the dish and refrigerating it before baking. Simply add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Lobster mac and cheese is the epitome of indulgent comfort food, combining the creamy richness of mac and cheese with the luxurious taste of lobster. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress. Treat yourself to this decadent recipe and savor every bite!
Lobster Mac and Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium saucepan (for cheese sauce)
- Baking dish (9x13-inch or similar)
- Whisk
- Mixing spoon
- Small bowl (for breadcrumbs)
Ingredients
- For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb cooked lobster meat roughly chopped
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens.
- Add the Cheese:
- Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine with Pasta and Lobster:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and chopped lobster meat. Stir gently to coat the pasta and lobster evenly with the sauce.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and parsley (if using).
- Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with every bite of tender lobster.
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