Description
This rich and creamy Lobster Mac and Cheese combines tender elbow macaroni with a luscious cheese sauce and succulent lobster meat, baked to golden perfection. It’s a decadent American comfort food classic elevated with luxurious seafood, perfect for special dinners or indulgent weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to ensure the mac and cheese doesn’t stick during baking.
- Cook pasta: Boil salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside while you make the sauce.
- Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the cheese sauce.
- Add dairy: Slowly whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue until the mixture thickens, about 4–5 minutes.
- Season sauce: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder to flavor the sauce.
- Add cheeses: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta and lobster: Fold the cooked pasta and 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked lobster meat into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, toss 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling hot.
- Rest and serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- You can substitute crab or shrimp for the lobster meat to change up the seafood flavor.
- For a luxurious finish, drizzle truffle oil over the baked mac and cheese before serving.
