Lobster Mac & Cheese is a luxurious twist on the classic comfort food, combining creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and succulent lobster meat. This indulgent dish is perfect for special occasions or a gourmet dinner at home.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Lobster:

• 1 lb cooked lobster meat (chopped into bite-sized pieces)

For Topping:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Timing

Making Lobster Mac & Cheese takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add Flour: Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is bubbly and golden.
3. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Add Seasonings: Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
5. Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Lobster

1. Mix Together: Add the cooked pasta and chopped lobster meat to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the lobster mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

1. Mix Topping Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Top the Dish: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve

1. Garnish and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your luxurious lobster mac & cheese!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Lobster Mac & Cheese (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	550
Protein	30g
Fat	30g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	5g

Tips for Customization

• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese combinations such as fontina, mozzarella, or pepper jack for added flavor.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate peas, spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Lobster Mac & Cheese is a decadent and comforting dish that elevates traditional mac and cheese with the addition of sweet, tender lobster. Perfect for special occasions or as a treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy this delightful recipe!