Julie Rice
@julriclife
Lobster Mac and Cheese Bake
Indulge in this creamy and decadent Lobster Mac and Cheese, featuring tender lobster meat, a rich cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, all baked to golden perfection. This dish is a luxurious twist on a classic favorite, perfect for special occasions or a comforting dinner at home.
Details
- Cuisine:american
- Meal Type:dinner
- Difficulty:hard
- Estimated Cost:N/A
- Occasion:party
- Ingredients:14
- Views:6
Recipe Information
- Prep time35 min.
- Cook time30 min.
- Total time65 min.
- Servings2
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons
- 2
- 2 tablespoons
- 1 1/2 tablespoons
- 1 1/2 cups
- 1/4 teaspoon
- 1 pinch
- 1 pinch, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- 3 drops, or to taste
- 4 ounces
- 1 ounce
- 1 cup, or more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon
Cooking Instructions
Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Lobster Mac and Cheese Bake.
Step 1
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 400°F (200°C) and generously butter two gratin dishes to ensure your delicious creation doesn’t stick.
Step 2
Next, grab a skillet and heat up some vegetable oil over high heat.
Step 3
Once it’s nice and hot, add the lobster tails, cooking them for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden color and are just halfway cooked.
Step 4
Once done, carefully remove the tails from the skillet and let them rest on a plate.
Step 5
When they’re cool enough to handle, take the meat out of the shells and chop it into bite-sized pieces, setting the shells aside for later.
Step 6
In that same skillet, melt some butter over medium heat.
Step 7
Whisk in flour and let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and the raw flour taste disappears.
Step 8
Gradually pour in cold milk while whisking until everything is well combined.
Step 9
Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat.
Step 10
Stir in paprika, nutmeg, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, allowing it to cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully.
Step 11
Don’t forget to season it with salt to taste! Now, it’s time to add the star ingredients: stir in the grated Cheddar and Gruyere cheeses until they melt into a creamy, dreamy sauce.
Step 12
Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in a splash of Worcestershire sauce for that extra depth of flavor.
Step 13
In a large pot, bring water to a boil along with the reserved lobster shells and a pinch of salt.
Step 14
Toss in the elbow macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s al dente, which should take about 8 minutes.
Step 15
Once cooked, discard the lobster shells and drain the pasta.
Step 16
Combine the macaroni with your luscious cheese sauce and sprinkle in some fresh thyme leaves for a burst of flavor.
Step 17
Divide this cheesy goodness between the two prepared gratin dishes, then gently fold in the chopped lobster meat, pressing it down lightly with a fork to ensure it’s nestled in nicely.
Step 18
For the finishing touch, mix together some breadcrumbs with melted butter, then stir in Parmesan cheese.
Step 19
Sprinkle this crunchy mixture generously over each gratin dish, adding a delightful texture to your meal.
Step 20
Finally, pop the dishes into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and bubbly, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Step 21
Enjoy the fruits of your labor as you serve up this comforting lobster macaroni gratin, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring all on your own!.