Lobster Mac and Cheese

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Lobster Mac and Cheese is a luxurious twist on a classic comfort dish. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress with minimal effort, this recipe combines creamy cheese with succulent lobster.

Ingredients for Lobster Mac and Cheese

The backbone of our sauce is unsalted butter and all-purpose flour, creating a roux that thickens the base. Whole milk adds richness and creaminess, while sharp cheddar cheese provides a punch of flavor and Gruyere cheese lends nutty undertones. To season, we use garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of paprika for warmth. The star, of course, is the cooked lobster meat, bringing a sweet, delicate flavor. Finally, panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese create a crispy, golden topping, complemented by a sprinkle of parsley for freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you can, use freshly grated cheese. It melts better and gives a creamier texture.
  • For a deeper flavor, consider toasting the panko in a dry pan before adding it to the dish.
  • If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more milk until you reach the desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This Lobster Mac and Cheese pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus to balance the richness. A glass of chilled white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors wonderfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen lobster meat?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before using.
What if I can't find Gruyere cheese?
Swiss cheese is a good substitute if Gruyere isn't available.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the dish and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Lobster Mac and Cheese Recipe Walkthrough

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, cook your elbow macaroni according to the package directions, then drain and set aside. Next, get your large saucepan ready. Melt the butter over medium heat, and then stir in the flour. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes until it turns a lovely golden brown color.

Now, gradually whisk in the milk. Take your time here to ensure no lumps form, which keeps your sauce smooth. Bring this to a gentle simmer and let it cook until the sauce thickens—this should take about 5 minutes. Once thickened, remove from the heat and stir in your shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses until they're melted into a silky sauce.

Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Combine this cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and the delicate lobster meat. Mix everything together well, then transfer it all to a baking dish.

In a small bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this mixture over the macaroni. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp. Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Elevates traditional mac and cheese with the rich flavor of lobster.
  • Simple, straightforward steps that don't require a culinary degree.
  • Uses common kitchen staples with a touch of indulgence.
  • Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

Ingredients

16 oz elbow macaroni
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb cooked lobster meat, chopped
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Gruyere cheeses until melted and smooth.
7. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
8. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and lobster meat.
9. Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
10. In a small bowl, mix panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the macaroni mixture.
11. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
12. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

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