Lobster Mac and Cheese
The ultimate decadent comfort food. This rich and creamy baked mac and cheese is loaded with sweet, tender chunks of lobster meat and topped with a crunchy panko crust. A truly special meal for any occasion.
For 4 servings
8 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente. Drain immediately and set aside.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheese sauce
- a.In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.If using, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for 1 minute until the wine has mostly evaporated. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a blond roux.
- 4
Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps
- a.Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- 5
Remove the pot from the heat
- a.Add the shredded Gruyère and cheddar cheese in handfuls, stirring until each addition is fully melted before adding the next. Once all the cheese is incorporated and the sauce is smooth, stir in the dry mustard, paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Gently fold the cooked macaroni and chopped lobster meat into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated. Pour the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish or an 8x8 inch pan and spread evenly.
- 7
In a small bowl, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter
- a.Add the panko breadcrumbs and toss to coat. Sprinkle the buttered panko evenly over the mac and cheese.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crisp. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the creamiest sauce, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can result in a grainy texture.
- 2Warming the milk before adding it to the roux helps create a smoother, lump-free sauce.
- 3Do not add the cheese while the sauce is over direct heat, as this can cause the sauce to break or become oily.
- 4Be gentle when folding in the lobster meat to keep the chunks intact.
- 5For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a subtle warmth.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheese Blend
Experiment with different melting cheeses. Fontina, Gouda, or white cheddar can be used in place of or in combination with the Gruyère and cheddar.
Add SeafoodAdd Seafood
Incorporate other seafood like cooked shrimp or crab meat along with the lobster for a seafood mac and cheese.
Herbaceous ToppingHerbaceous Topping
Mix 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley into the panko breadcrumb topping for added color and fresh flavor.
Stovetop VersionStovetop Version
For a quicker meal, skip the baking step. After combining the pasta, lobster, and sauce, serve it directly from the pot, topped with the toasted panko (toast separately in a dry skillet until golden).
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Both lobster and cheese are packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, including muscle.
Rich in Calcium
The significant amount of milk and cheese in this recipe provides a good source of calcium, a mineral vital for strong bones and teeth.
Provides Key Minerals
Lobster is a good source of important minerals like zinc, which supports the immune system, and phosphorus, which works with calcium for bone health.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of this lobster mac and cheese contains approximately 750-850 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used. It is a rich and decadent dish best enjoyed as a special treat.