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Decadent Lobster Mac and Cheese

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A rich and creamy lobster mac and cheese perfect as a luxurious Christmas side dish. Combines tender lobster meat with a smooth béchamel cheese sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni
  • 1 pound (450 grams) cooked lobster meat, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 2 cups (200 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (100 grams) Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (100 grams) panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons (57 grams) of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
  4. Gradually whisk in warmed whole milk. Simmer and whisk often until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
  6. Gently fold in chopped cooked lobster meat, reserving a few pieces for garnish if desired.
  7. Add drained macaroni to the sauce and fold until fully coated.
  8. In a small skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and toast until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
  9. Transfer lobster mac and cheese mixture to a lightly buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top. Garnish with reserved lobster pieces and chopped parsley.
  10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and topping is golden and crisp. Optionally broil for 2-3 minutes for extra browning, watching carefully.
  11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.

Notes

If sauce is too thick before baking, stir in a splash of milk to loosen. Toasting breadcrumbs in butter adds essential crunch and flavor. Fold lobster in last to avoid overcooking and rubbery texture. For dairy-free version, substitute milk, butter, and cheese with plant-based alternatives. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days and can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Keywords: lobster mac and cheese, holiday side dish, Christmas recipe, creamy mac and cheese, lobster recipe, cheesy pasta, luxury side dish

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/decadent-lobster-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-luxury-christmas-side/