Description
This Decadent Buttery Lobster Mac & Cheese combines creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce with tender lobster meat, baked to golden perfection with a crunchy panko topping. A luxurious twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for special occasions or a comforting indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
Lobster and Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup cooked lobster meat
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Toppings and Seasonings
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make Roux: In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and stir constantly, cooking the mixture for 2 minutes to form a roux and eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk to the roux until smooth. Continue cooking and stirring for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Add Lobster and Season: Gently mix the cooked lobster meat into the cheese sauce. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to your preferred taste, ensuring even distribution.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the lobster mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish and evenly sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh or high-quality cooked lobster meat.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with a blend of cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for a richer flavor.
- To add extra crunch, toss the panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
- If preferred, use gluten-free flour and pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
