Lobster mac and cheese is a rich and creamy dish that combines the comfort of traditional mac and cheese with the luxury of succulent lobster. This delicious meal is perfect for special occasions or any time you want to treat yourself to something special. With its cheesy goodness and tender lobster, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table.
Why Make This Recipe
Making lobster mac and cheese is a wonderful way to elevate a classic comfort food. The combination of gooey cheeses, fresh lobster, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping creates an unforgettable dish. It’s not only delicious but also offers a unique twist that can make a simple dinner feel fancy. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to showcase fresh seafood. Your family and friends will love it, and you’ll feel proud to serve such a delightful meal.
How to Make Lobster Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces cavatappi pasta
- ½ cup unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 ½ cups milk (warmed to 115 degrees F)
- 12 ounces Gruyere cheese (shredded)
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, divided)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 ½ pounds cooked lobster meat
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 4-quart casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and cook over low heat for 2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it turns golden.
- Whisk in the broth while scraping the bottom of the pan for any brown bits. Then, still whisking, pour in the warmed milk. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from heat, then add the Gruyere, cheddar, all but 2 tablespoons of Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until all the cheese has melted and is combined.
- Add the cooked macaroni and lobster to the sauce and stir well to coat.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
- Melt the remaining butter and mix it into the panko breadcrumbs and remaining Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this mixture on top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
How to Serve Lobster Mac and Cheese
Serve lobster mac and cheese hot from the oven for the best flavor and texture. You can enjoy it as a main dish or as a side alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread. Sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley on top for a beautiful presentation.
How to Store Lobster Mac and Cheese
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through or microwave in short intervals.
Tips to Make Lobster Mac and Cheese
- For extra flavor, consider adding some spices like cayenne pepper or Old Bay seasoning.
- Use high-quality cheese for the best taste. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven.
Variation
You can switch up the seafood by using crab or shrimp instead of lobster. Additionally, feel free to mix in vegetables like spinach or peas for extra color and nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen lobster meat?
Yes, you can use frozen lobster meat. Just make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the dish.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it right before serving.
3. What type of cheese is best for mac and cheese?
Gruyere, cheddar, and Parmesan work great together, but you can also experiment with other cheeses like fontina or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
Lobster Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounces cavatappi pasta
Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (divided) 6 tablespoons for cooking, remaining for topping
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 ½ cups milk (warmed to 115 degrees F)
- 12 ounces Gruyere cheese (shredded) High-quality cheese recommended
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, divided) Use all but 2 tablespoons in the sauce
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 ½ pounds cooked lobster meat Freshly cooked or thawed if frozen
Topping
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 Tablespoon remaining Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 4-quart casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and cook over low heat for 2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it turns golden.
- Whisk in the broth while scraping the bottom of the pan for any brown bits.
- Then, still whisking, pour in the warmed milk. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from heat, then add the Gruyere, cheddar, all but 2 tablespoons of Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until all the cheese has melted and is combined.
- Add the cooked macaroni and lobster to the sauce and stir well to coat.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
Topping and Baking
- Melt the remaining butter and mix it into the panko breadcrumbs and remaining Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this mixture on top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
