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Decadent Creamy Lobster Mac and Cheese for Two

lobster mac and cheese - featured image

A rich and creamy lobster mac and cheese recipe perfect for two, combining tender lobster meat with a homemade cheese sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s an indulgent yet easy dish for special occasions or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ounces elbow macaroni (about 170g)
  • 8 ounces cooked lobster meat, chopped (about 225g)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk (360ml), warmed
  • 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded (about 100g)
  • ½ cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (about 50g)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (about 25g)
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 6 ounces (170g) elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbly and fragrant but not browned.
  3. Slowly pour in 1 ½ cups warmed whole milk (360ml) while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and whisk for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 cup sharp white cheddar and ½ cup shredded Gruyère, one handful at a time, until fully melted and smooth. Season with ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Gently fold the cooked macaroni and 8 ounces chopped cooked lobster meat (225g) into the cheese sauce, being careful not to break up the lobster chunks.
  6. In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan and 1 tablespoon melted butter until evenly coated.
  7. Transfer the macaroni and lobster mixture to an oven-safe dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  9. Let the mac and cheese rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; al dente is key. Warm the milk before adding to the roux to prevent lumps. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt quality. Fold lobster gently to keep chunks intact. Toss panko breadcrumbs with melted butter before baking for a crispy topping. Let the dish rest after baking to thicken the sauce. If sauce is too thick before baking, add a splash of milk. Gruyère can be substituted with mozzarella or fontina. Smoked paprika adds subtle warmth and should not be skipped.

Nutrition

Keywords: lobster mac and cheese, creamy lobster pasta, homemade mac and cheese, easy lobster recipe, date night dinner, comfort food, seafood mac and cheese