Name: Buttery Lobster Mac & Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces elbow macaroni; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8 ounces cooked lobster meat, chopped; 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Imagine all the comfort of velvety mac and cheese elevated to pure luxury with the sweet, delicate taste of lobster. Buttery Lobster Mac & Cheese is an irresistible twist on a classic, where every forkful treats you to luscious cheese, tender pasta, and chunks of rich lobster, all crowned with a golden, buttery topping. This dish is perfect for when you really want to celebrate—or just spoil yourself with something truly special!

Buttery Lobster Mac & Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this version of Buttery Lobster Mac & Cheese pulls double duty, bringing both flavor and texture. With just the right balance of cheeses, a touch of spice, and fresh lobster, you’ll create a dish that’s rich, creamy, and show-stoppingly delicious.

Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that soaks up every bit of cheesy sauce.
Unsalted butter: Lends that signature richness and forms the base of both the sauce and the crispy topping.
All-purpose flour: Essential for making a smooth, luscious roux as the foundation of the cheese sauce.
Whole milk: Brings creaminess and ensures the sauce stays silky instead of heavy.
Heavy cream: Adds a touch of indulgence for an ultra-velvety texture.
Salt: Brings all the flavors into harmony and brightens the seafood.
Black pepper: A pinch of heat to balance out all the creamy and buttery notes.
Paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and blush of color to the sauce.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The backbone of classic mac and cheese—melty, bold, and tangy.
Gruyère cheese: Melts beautifully, lending subtle nutty notes that take this recipe up a notch.
Parmesan cheese: For depth and a salty-sweet backbone in every bite.
Cooked lobster meat: The star of the show—sweet and succulent, it turns mac and cheese from cozy to lavish.
Panko breadcrumbs: Toasted for a satisfyingly crunchy topping that contrasts the creamy pasta.
Melted butter: Coats the breadcrumbs, making your topping golden and flavorful.
Fresh parsley: A burst of color and freshness right at the end to lift each serving.

How to Make Buttery Lobster Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook just until al dente—you want a little bite left, since the pasta will finish cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside; you’re already halfway to Buttery Lobster Mac & Cheese greatness!

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly, for one minute to form a smooth roux. Gradually add the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking until you have a thick, velvety sauce (about 5 minutes). Stir in the salt, pepper, and paprika, then add the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until everything melts together into a glossy cheese sauce.

Step 3: Combine Pasta, Lobster, and Cheese

Gently fold the drained macaroni and the chopped cooked lobster into the cheese sauce. Make sure every piece of pasta and the luscious lobster are well coated—the magic moment when Buttery Lobster Mac & Cheese truly comes together!

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Grease a 2-quart baking dish, then spoon the lobster mac and cheese mixture in. In a separate small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until evenly coated, then sprinkle the buttery crumbs in an even layer over the top of the pasta. This step brings the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy interior.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. The aroma is heavenly! Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle and every bite holds together beautifully.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Just before serving, scatter fresh chopped parsley over the top. This adds a splash of color and cuts through the richness, making your Buttery Lobster Mac & Cheese not just tasty, but truly eye-catching.

How to Serve Buttery Lobster Mac & Cheese

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley isn’t just for looks! Its herbal brightness is the crowning touch on your Buttery Lobster Mac & Cheese. For even more flair, try a dusting of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon for those who love a tangy contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve your Buttery Lobster Mac & Cheese with bright, simple sides that balance the rich flavors: a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, some roasted asparagus, or a platter of lightly steamed broccoli. Crusty bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of cheese sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling fancy, divide the pasta into individual ramekins for a restaurant-style touch. Want to wow guests? Serve generous scoops in lobster shells or use mini cocottes for a cozy and elegant dinner party presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

All that deliciousness keeps well! Store leftover Buttery Lobster Mac & Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even more overnight.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, transfer the cooled mac and cheese to a freezer-safe dish and wrap tightly. The lobster and cheese sauce maintain their quality if reheated within a month. Avoid freezing for longer to keep the texture luscious.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the topping is crisp again, about 15–20 minutes. If microwaving, add a splash of milk and cover to keep everything creamy—just don’t skip the oven if you want that crunch back!

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure the lobster is fully thawed and any extra moisture is patted away before adding to the cheese sauce. This prevents the sauce from getting watery and lets the lobster flavor shine.

What can I use instead of lobster?

Crab meat or shrimp are both fantastic alternatives that also pair beautifully with the cheesy sauce. If you want a vegetarian version, try roasted mushrooms or butternut squash for a twist on Buttery Lobster Mac & Cheese.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free elbow macaroni and substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Swap in gluten-free panko for the topping so everyone can enjoy this luxurious dish.

Can I prepare Buttery Lobster Mac & Cheese ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle on the panko topping and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be gloriously golden and you’ll see the cheese bubbling up around the edges. If you like an extra-crispy finish, turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes, but keep a close eye so the topping doesn’t burn.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something truly comforting but with undeniable flair, give Buttery Lobster Mac & Cheese a try. It’s just the kind of dish that turns any meal into an occasion and will have everyone at the table swooning. I can’t wait for you to dig in and enjoy this bit of decadence!

Buttery Lobster Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a decadent dish of Buttery Lobster Mac & Cheese, a luxurious twist on the classic comfort food. This recipe combines tender chunks of lobster with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a truly unforgettable meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Macaroni:

8 ounces elbow macaroni

For the Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Additional Ingredients:

8 ounces cooked lobster meat, chopped
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in milk and cream, cooking until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Fold in macaroni and lobster meat. Transfer mixture to a greased 2-quart baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle over the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with parsley before serving.