Creamy Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese is a rich and indulgent dish that elevates classic comfort food with succulent lobster meat, a velvety cheese sauce, and a crispy golden topping. Perfect for special occasions, this decadent meal is both luxurious and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender lobster for a gourmet twist.
- Crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch.
- Perfect for holidays, date nights, or when you want to treat yourself.
- Easy to customize with different cheeses or pasta types.
- Can be made ahead for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pasta:
- Elbow macaroni (or preferred pasta)
- Lobster meat (cooked and chopped)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream
- Cheddar cheese (sharp, shredded)
- Gruyère cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
For the Topping:
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Butter (melted)
- Parmesan cheese
- Paprika (for color)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
- Add Cheese: Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard.
- Combine with Lobster and Pasta: Fold in the cooked pasta and lobster meat, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Assemble and Top: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan, and paprika. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm for the best texture and flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Lobster Mac & Cheese: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a kick.
- Truffle Lobster Mac & Cheese: Drizzle truffle oil over the top before serving.
- Bacon Lobster Mac & Cheese: Stir in crispy bacon bits for extra smoky flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute cornstarch for flour in the roux.
- Three-Cheese Mac: Experiment with smoked gouda, fontina, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What’s the best pasta for lobster mac & cheese?
Elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or shells hold the cheese sauce well.
Can I use frozen lobster meat?
Yes, just thaw it completely and drain excess moisture before adding.
What’s the best cheese combination?
Sharp cheddar and Gruyère provide a perfect balance of creaminess and depth.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate before baking. Add 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from being grainy?
Use low heat and gradually add cheese to the warm sauce, stirring constantly.
Can I substitute lobster with another seafood?
Yes, shrimp, crab, or scallops work well as alternatives.
How do I make the topping extra crispy?
Toast the panko breadcrumbs in butter before sprinkling on top.
Is it possible to make this without heavy cream?
Yes, replace it with extra milk for a lighter version.
Can I make this dish without baking it?
Yes, you can serve it stovetop-style without the breadcrumb topping.
What wine pairs well with lobster mac & cheese?
A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the richness.
Conclusion
Creamy Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet upgrade. Its rich cheese sauce, tender lobster meat, and crunchy topping make it a standout dish for any occasion. Try it today and enjoy an indulgent, restaurant-quality meal at home
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
his Creamy Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese takes comfort food to the next level! Tender lobster pieces, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly baked pasta come together for a rich and indulgent dish. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight meal!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded gruyère cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Chopped chives
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni until al dente. Drain and toss with 2 tbsp butter.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk and cream, stirring until thickened. Add cheddar, gruyère, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Combine: Mix cooked pasta and lobster into the cheese sauce.
- Assemble & Bake: Pour into a greased baking dish. Mix panko, melted butter, and parmesan, then sprinkle on top.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Garnish & Serve: Top with chopped chives and serve hot!
Notes
- Swap lobster for shrimp or crab for a variation.
- Add truffle oil for an extra gourmet touch!
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