Description

A creamy, cheesy lobster mac and cheese with a crispy buttery panko topping, perfect for an intimate dinner for two. This recipe combines tender lobster meat with a smooth cheese sauce and a crunchy golden crust.

Ingredients

Scale

6 oz elbow macaroni (about 170g)
1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped (about 140g)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups whole milk (360ml)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 100g)
½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese (about 50g)
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
½ cup panko breadcrumbs (about 50g)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 6 oz elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth and golden.
Slowly whisk in 1 ½ cups whole milk to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
Remove sauce from heat. Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar and ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. Add ¼ tsp nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
Fold in the cooked macaroni and 1 cup chopped lobster meat gently to keep lobster pieces intact.
In a small bowl, mix ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp melted butter, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tsp chopped parsley if using. Toss to coat evenly.
Transfer lobster mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish (about 1 quart). Spread breadcrumb topping evenly over the surface.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until topping is golden brown and sauce is bubbling.
Optional: Broil the top for 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to settle.

Notes

If cheese sauce is too thick before baking, whisk in a splash of milk to loosen. If too thin, add extra cheese. Resting the dish before serving helps thicken the sauce and improve flavor. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives. For gluten-free, substitute pasta and flour accordingly. Broil topping carefully to avoid burning.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 of the dish (abo
Calories: 550
Fat: 28
Carbohydrates: 40
Protein: 35

Keywords: lobster mac and cheese, comfort food, seafood pasta, cheesy pasta, crispy topping, easy dinner for two