Lobster Mac and Cheese
We all know mac and cheese is a must have comfort food and adding lobster only makes it that much better. Lobster Mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and cheesy with the perfect amount of seafood flavor in each gooey forkful. Serve it hot, bubbly out of the oven as a delicious side dish or a full meal at Sunday dinners, cookouts, barbecues, and holidays.
If you need another delicious side to take to the cookout, try my Creamy Potato Salad or Jalapeño Mac and Cheese next!
Lobster Mac and cheese is just macaroni and cheese with a decadent seafood spin. The rich and savory three-cheese sauce, coupled with the delicate sweetness of lobster, you really can’t miss. If you like lobster, then you’re bound to fall in love with this ultra creamy lobster mac and cheese.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE
- Better Than the Boxed Stuff. Put down the Kraft and grab a large skillet because you’re about to make the best mac and cheese!
- Three Cheeses. The velvety three-cheese blend – featuring cheddar, Gruyère, and Colby Jack – creates an unmatched flavor profile. Each cheese contributes its unique profile to complement the sweetness of the lobster, resulting in a rich and satisfying experience.
- Gourmet Comfort Food. This recipe transforms a classic comfort dish into a gourmet masterpiece. It’s the perfect way to elevate your comfort food game, impressing both yourself and your guests with a sophisticated take on a beloved classic.
Lobster Mac and Cheese Ingredients
- Butter: Salted or unsalted.
- Milk: For the creamiest texture, this is a necessity.
- Garlic Paste: You can buy this or make it at home. See the instructions below in the recipe notes.
- Short pasta noodles: You can use whichever macaroni you prefer; elbow macaroni, penne, cavatappi, bow tie, etc. Just prepare it al dente.
- Cheese: I opt for milder cheese in this lobster mac and cheese recipe so the lobster can really shine. I use mild cheddar cheese, Colby Jack, and Gruyere .
- Seasoning: Bayou City All Purpose Seasoning, Bayou City Garlic Pepper, lemon pepper, smoked paprika (plus more for topping). I excluded salt because it’s contained in some of the seasonings listed above.
How To Make Lobster Mac and Cheese
Cook Lobster
Carefully place the prepared lobster tails into the boiling water, one at a time.Boil the lobster tails for about 7-10 minutes, depending on their size. The shells should turn bright red, and the meat should be opaque.
Cook Pasta
Bring water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente (about 8 minutes).
Prepare Cheese Sauce
Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a saucepan melt butter. Once the butter is melted, toss in roasted garlic paste and season with Bayou City AP, salt, and pepper. Whisk together while mashing up that garlic paste until combined and cook for 3 minutes.
Pour milk into a saucepan and bring to a low simmer and then stir in cheese. Let simmer for 8 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Drain pasta and while the pasta is still hot, place in a large bowl and mix in the rest of your cheese sauce, and chopped lobster meat. Mix well and place in a 10” Cast iron or 2 qt baking dish.
Bake Mac and Cheese
Top with 2 cups of mild cheddar making sure to evenly cover the top. Then sprinkle with some smoked paprika. Place in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy: Add jalapeños to make Jalapeño mac and cheese or hot sauce like Tabasco, Texas Pete, or Tapatio. Add pepper jack cheese for a spicier cheese sauce.
- Bacon Mac and Cheese: Fry up some thick-cut bacon, dice it, and add it to the cheese sauce for a savory, salty burst of flavor.
- Cheese: Use mozzarella, Monterey jack, or Velveeta as an alternative to the other cheeses used in this recipe.
- Crunchy: For a satisfying crunchy topping, add bread crumbs to your mac and cheese. Panko works best.
Pro-Tips
- Grate block cheese instead of purchasing pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in a waxy anti-clumping substance that prevents the cheese from melting easily. So freshly grated cheese is best.
- Prepare the pasta al dente to prevent noodles from over cooking.
- Opt for fresh or high-quality frozen lobster tails for the best flavor.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking for a delightful crunch.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. When you want to reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight. Then gently warm up single portions in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cheeses go best together for lobster mac and cheese?
Traditional macaroni cheese pairs best with strongly flavored cheeses that also melt well. I suggest sharp cheddar cheese, gruyere, and Colby Jack.
Can mac and cheese be made ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the mac and cheese and just before baking, cover the dish with foil and refrigerate. Bake within two days. Before baking, allow it to sit and come to room temperature (about 30 minutes).
If you loved this Lobster Mac and Cheese recipe, let me know in the comments. For more delicious recipes, follow me on TikTok and Instagram!
Lobster Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- 1 large pot for boiling water
- 1 baking dish for baking Mac and cheese
- 1 sauce pan for cheese sauce
- 1 cheese shredder
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 lb cooked lobster meat chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1 bulb roasted garlic see recipe notes
- 4 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar shredded
- 1 cup gruyere cheese shredded
- 1 cup colby jack grated, plus more for topping
- 2 tsp bayou city all purpose
- parsley for garnish
- smoked paprika for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Carefully place the prepared lobster tails into the boiling water, one at a time.
- Boil the lobster tails for about 7-10 minutes, depending on their size. The shells should turn bright red, and the meat should be opaque.
- Carefully remove the lobster tails from the boiling water.
- In the same boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to create a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it forms a paste.
- Add in your roasted garlic cloves smashing them until smooth
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar, Gruyère, and Colby Jack cheeses. Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and bayou city seasonings. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
- Add the chopped lobster meat to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the cheesy lobster mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with 1-2 cups of Colby Jack cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and smoked paprika before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the lobster is fully cooked before adding it to the mac and cheese.
- How to make Roasted Garlic
- Experiment with the different cheeses and ratios to suit your taste preferences.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy crust.
- Adjust seasonings according to your taste.
- This dish can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
