This lobster mac and cheese takes a beloved comfort food to a whole new level. Rich, creamy cheese sauce envelops tender pasta, succulent lobster meat, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, creating a decadent dish perfect for special occasions or a comforting weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lobster mac and cheese combines the best of two worlds: the creamy, cheesy comfort of mac and cheese with the delicate sweetness of lobster. The result is an indulgent dish that’s sure to impress. Using two types of cheese enhances the richness, while the panko topping adds an irresistible crunch. It’s a perfect fusion of flavors and textures!
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 pound corkscrew pasta (such as cavatappi or cellentani)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked lobster meat, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the corkscrew pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add water and milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Stir in the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
- Add Lobster: Gently fold in the chopped lobster meat.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine the pasta and cheese sauce, then transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining butter. Sprinkle the mixture over the mac and cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling. Garnish with additional lobster meat before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Options: Add Fontina or Gruyère for a different cheese flavor.
- Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or thyme for an aromatic touch.
- Protein: Add shrimp or crab for a seafood medley.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked lobster for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked lobster meat. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the sauce.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini.
3. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It’s not recommended to freeze lobster mac and cheese because the texture may change once thawed.
4. How do I cook the lobster?
Broil lobster tails for about 12 minutes, brushing with butter, until the meat is opaque.
5. Can I use light milk instead of whole milk?
You can use lighter milk, but the sauce might not be as rich and creamy.
6. How do I make the sauce smoother?
Be sure to whisk continuously when adding the liquid to avoid lumps, and use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt.
7. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate it, then bake it when ready to serve.
8. How can I make the topping crunchier?
Use extra panko breadcrumbs and a little more melted butter for a crispier finish.
9. Can I use other seafood?
Yes, shrimp or crab can be used in place of lobster for a different seafood variation.
10. What side dishes go well with lobster mac and cheese?
Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
Lobster mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food upgrade, offering the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese paired with the luxurious taste of lobster. This dish is perfect for special occasions, but it’s easy enough for any night you want to indulge in something extra special!
Print
Lobster Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Lobster Mac and Cheese takes a beloved comfort food to a whole new level. A rich, creamy cheese sauce envelops tender pasta, succulent lobster meat, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, creating a decadent dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 ½ cups water
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 pound corkscrew pasta (cavatappi or cellentani)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups chopped cooked lobster meat, plus more for garnish
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the corkscrew pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add water and milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Stir in the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens.
3. Add Cheese:
Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
4. Add Lobster:
Gently fold in the chopped lobster meat.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce, then transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese.
6. Bake:
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling. Garnish with additional lobster meat before serving.
Notes
- Cheese Options: Add Fontina or Gruyère for different cheese flavors.
- Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or thyme for an aromatic touch.
- Protein Options: Add shrimp or crab for a seafood medley.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
