Prepare to elevate your comfort food game with the ultimate luxury pasta dish that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine the creamy, rich goodness of classic mac and cheese, but with a decadent twist of succulent lobster meat that transforms an everyday favorite into a gourmet experience. This Lobster Mac and Cheese isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that promises to impress your dinner guests and satisfy your most indulgent cravings in just under an hour!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of elbow macaroni, 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of milk, 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of cooked lobster meat (chopped), salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, whisking continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should be slightly bubbly and golden.
- Slowly add the 2 cups of milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens and begins to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the milk mixture has thickened, reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the chopped lobster meat to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the lobster cheese sauce, mixing well to ensure all the pasta is coated.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with a little melted butter (optional) to create a topping. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Lobster Mac and Cheese!
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality lobster meat for the best flavor. If possible, cook the lobster yourself or buy freshly cooked lobster from a seafood market.
- For an extra creamy sauce, use full-fat milk and freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect sauce texture.
- Be patient when making the roux (butter and flour mixture) - cooking it slowly helps prevent a raw flour taste and ensures a smooth, silky sauce.
- Don't overcook the macaroni - aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking slightly in the oven.
- For a crispy, golden topping, you can mix the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and even add some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese sauce to set and make serving easier.
- For a gourmet presentation, serve in individual ramekins or a beautiful ceramic baking dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 110mg
