Description
This Decadent Lobster Mac and Cheese is a gourmet twist on the classic comfort food, featuring tender lobster meat folded into a rich, creamy blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection with a crispy panko breadcrumb topping, this dish is perfect for special occasions or an indulgent dinner at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Lobster and Topping
- 1 1/2 cups cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour continuously and cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbling, which helps cook out the raw flour taste.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Slowly whisk in the warmed whole milk and heavy cream until the sauce is smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add the Cheeses and Seasoning: Stir in shredded cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until all cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Lobster: Gently fold in the cooked pasta and chopped lobster meat into the cheese sauce, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour the lobster mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pasta.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm for a rich, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
- If lobster is not available, substitute with crab meat or cooked shrimp for a similar seafood flavor.
- For added depth, stir in a dash of hot sauce or a splash of white wine into the cheese sauce before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
