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Perfect Elegant Lobster Mac and Cheese for Two

lobster mac and cheese - featured image

An elegant and creamy lobster mac and cheese recipe designed for two, combining tender lobster chunks with a rich blend of sharp cheddar and gruyère cheeses for a cozy yet luxurious meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ounces elbow macaroni (about 170 grams)
  • Salted water for boiling
  • 8 ounces cooked lobster meat, roughly chopped (fresh or frozen thawed)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk (360 ml), warmed
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ¾ cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded (about 85 grams)
  • ½ cup gruyère cheese, shredded (about 60 grams)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (about 30 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and rinse briefly under warm water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  2. If using frozen lobster, thaw it overnight in the fridge or under cold running water. Chop into bite-sized pieces and gently pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until light golden and nutty smelling.
  4. Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Stir in Dijon mustard powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Add more milk if too thick.
  5. Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and gruyère until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. In a mixing bowl, gently fold the cooked pasta and lobster pieces into the cheese sauce, keeping lobster in chunks. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese to create a crunchy topping.
  8. Transfer the lobster mac and cheese mixture into a lightly buttered baking dish or divide between two ramekins. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until topping is crisp and golden brown.
  10. Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Notes

Warm the milk before adding to the roux to prevent lumps. Use freshly shredded cheese for a smooth sauce. Gently fold lobster to keep chunks intact. Watch the breadcrumb topping while baking and cover with foil if browning too fast. Do not overcook pasta initially as it will continue cooking in the oven.

Nutrition

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