Lobster Macaroni Cheese Breadcrumbs (Print version)

A luxurious blend of tender lobster, creamy cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping for perfect harmony.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz elbow macaroni

→ Lobster

02 - 2 cooked lobster tails (about 9 oz meat), chopped

→ Cheese Sauce

03 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
04 - 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
05 - 3 cups whole milk
06 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
07 - ½ cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
08 - ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
09 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
10 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Breadcrumb Topping

12 - 1 cup fresh panko breadcrumbs
13 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
14 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook macaroni until al dente according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
03 - In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste.
04 - Gradually whisk in the whole milk, continuing to stir to prevent lumps. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
05 - Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan until completely melted and smooth. Add Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
06 - Gently fold the cooked macaroni and chopped lobster meat into the cheese sauce until evenly distributed.
07 - Pour the lobster mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
08 - In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and chopped parsley. Mix until breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
09 - Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
10 - Bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of tender lobster and three distinct cheeses creates layers of flavor that keep people guessing
  • That golden breadcrumb crust adds the perfect crunch contrast to the velvety sauce underneath
  • It looks incredibly impressive but comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for special occasions
02 -
  • Don't overcook the pasta initially, it will continue cooking in the oven and you don't want mushy mac and cheese
  • Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre shredded, the anti caking coating prevents smooth melting
  • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving, this seems impossible but helps the sauce set slightly so it's not too runny
03 -
  • If you're feeling fancy, add a splash of dry sherry to the cheese sauce for depth
  • The breadcrumb topping can be prepped ahead and kept in the fridge until ready to use

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