Romantic Lobster Mac and Cheese (Print Version)
Tender lobster and a rich cheese sauce blended with pasta, topped with golden breadcrumbs for a luxurious comfort meal.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 7 ounces elbow macaroni or cavatappi
→ Seafood
02 - 7 ounces cooked lobster meat, roughly chopped
→ Cheese Sauce
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
05 - 1 cup whole milk
06 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
07 - 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
08 - 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
09 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - Salt, to taste
13 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Topping
14 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
15 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
16 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
17 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish.
02 - Cook the elbow macaroni or cavatappi in salted boiling water until it is just al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, forming a roux.
04 - Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and adequately thickened, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
05 - Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the grated sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese until they are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Incorporate the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
06 - Gently fold the cooked pasta and the chopped lobster meat into the cheese sauce until all ingredients are evenly coated.
07 - Transfer the lobster mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
08 - In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter, the finely chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
09 - Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling.
10 - Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the sauce set slightly.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This dish lets you transform an ordinary evening into an unforgettable culinary experience, without hours of fuss.
- It's an absolute showstopper, boasting gourmet flavors that make everyone feel utterly spoiled.
02 -
- Cooking the pasta only to al dente is crucial; otherwise, it will become mushy in the oven.
- Adding the cheeses off the heat prevents them from seizing and keeps your sauce incredibly smooth.
03 -
- For an even more intense cheese flavor, allow your grated cheeses to come to room temperature before adding them to the sauce.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with other hard-aged cheeses like Pecorino Romano for an extra salty punch in your topping.