Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this decadent Creamy Lobster Mac and Cheese. Rich, cheesy, and packed with succulent chunks of lobster, it’s a dish that elevates classic mac and cheese to gourmet status. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious dinner at home!
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk (warmed)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded Gruyère or fontina cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Lobster:
- 1 lb (450 g) cooked lobster meat, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Lobster:
- In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic (if using) and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the lobster meat and cook just until heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the warm milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine the Pasta and Lobster:
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated. Gently fold in the lobster meat.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese (optional), and paprika.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the lobster mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips:
- For an extra flavor boost, use a mix of smoked cheese (like smoked Gouda) with the cheddar and Gruyère.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a subtle kick.
Hashtags for Sharing:
#LobsterMacAndCheese #ComfortFoodUpgrade #SeafoodDelight #CheesyGoodness #GourmetAtHome #UltimateMacAndCheese #SpecialOccasionRecipes