Description
Indulge in this creamy, cheesy Lobster Mac and Cheese, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. This decadent dish combines tender lobster with a rich cheese sauce and pasta, all topped with crispy panko crumbs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2–3 lobster tails
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 pound macaroni or other small pasta shapes
- 3/4 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/4 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of cayenne powder (optional)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup panko crumbs
- Parsley or minced rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the lobster: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake lobster tails for 10 minutes, or until shells turn pink. Let cool slightly, remove meat from shells, and chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside in a bowl with melted butter from the baking sheet. Lower oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large bowl, combine shredded cheeses. Heat olive oil in a pan, add minced garlic, and cook for 2 minutes. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and whole milk. Add onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard, paprika, and cayenne. Season with salt and pepper. Add half of the shredded cheese and melt while stirring.
- Assemble the lobster mac and cheese: Turn off heat. Place pasta in a baking dish and stir in beaten egg and 1/2 tablespoon melted butter. Pour over the cheesy sauce (use all or some). Add half of the lobster meat and mix.
- Top and bake: Spread remaining lobster chunks on top. Sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese and panko crumbs mixed with melted butter. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Serve: Let cool slightly for 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley or minced rosemary.
Notes
- Ensure the lobster is fresh for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 40 mins
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: main course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 160mg