Indulge in a culinary delight that promises to elevate your dinner experience to new heights! Imagine creamy, dreamy macaroni enveloped in a rich cheese sauce, complemented by succulent chunks of lobster—this is not just any mac and cheese; this is Extra Creamy Lobster Mac and Cheese! Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a lavish meal, this recipe combines the comfort of classic American cuisine with the elegance of seafood. Ready to dive into a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups lobster meat, cooked and chopped
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour (not listed in original ingredients, but needed for roux) and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth base.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and incorporated into a creamy sauce.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Fold in cooked macaroni and chopped lobster meat, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly across the top for a crispy golden crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired, and serve hot as a luxurious main course or side dish.
Tips
- Choose Quality Lobster: For the best flavor, use fresh or high-quality frozen lobster meat. If using frozen, ensure it's fully thawed before adding it to the dish.
- Perfect Pasta: Cook the macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Make a Roux: Don’t skip the roux step! It’s essential for achieving a smooth and creamy cheese sauce. Whisk continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cheese Selection: While sharp cheddar is the star, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for added flavor and creaminess.
- Breadcrumb Topping: For an extra crunchy topping, consider mixing the breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese before sprinkling it over the mac and cheese.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the sauce set and makes it easier to serve.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's flavor profile. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a lobster mac and cheese that’s both decadent and unforgettable!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 27g
Cholesterol: 220mg
