Picture this: a steaming hot and creamy bowl of lobster mac and cheese, topped with a crispy layer of toasted bread crumbs. Can you smell the ocean and the buttery goodness? This recipe is sure to impress any seafood lover, and it’s surprisingly easy to make.
Lobster Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb. elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. paprika
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 8 oz. cooked and chopped lobster meat (about 2 lobster tails)
- 1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook the macaroni according to the instructions on the package.
- In a separate pot, heat the milk and cream together until steaming.
- In a deep saucepan, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
- Gradually pour in the hot milk and cream, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Drain the macaroni and stir it into the cheese sauce. Add the lobster meat.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle bread crumbs over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
This lobster mac and cheese is truly a showstopper. The combination of tender macaroni and sweet lobster meat is irresistible, and the creamy cheese sauce is the perfect pairing. The recipe calls for a touch of Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper, which add a subtle, yet noticeable depth of flavor.
When it comes to making the cheese sauce, it’s important to whisk constantly to avoid any lumps or burned bits. Be patient and don’t rush the process, as it can take a few minutes for the sauce to thicken properly.
If you can’t find live lobsters to cook at home, don’t worry. You can find cooked lobster meat at many seafood counters or grocery stores. Make sure to buy fresh lobster, though, as frozen meat can be less flavorful and rubbery in texture.
Serve this lobster mac and cheese as a main dish or as a side for a special occasion. You can even double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd. And don’t forget to savor every bite of this decadent and delicious meal.