Print

Savory Garlic Butter Lobster Mac and Cheese Easy Crispy Crust Recipe

garlic butter lobster mac and cheese - featured image
Print Recipe

A rich and creamy mac and cheese featuring tender lobster meat, infused with garlic butter and topped with a crispy golden breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 225 grams)
  • 1 pound cooked lobster meat, chopped (450 grams)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 4 ounces softened cream cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for breadcrumb topping)
  • Pinch of garlic powder (for breadcrumb topping)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. If using whole lobster tails, remove meat from shells and chop into bite-sized pieces. If using pre-cooked lobster meat, ensure it’s thawed and chopped.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the butter and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a smooth paste.
  5. Slowly whisk in whole milk, ensuring no lumps form. Add softened cream cheese in chunks, whisking until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  6. Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted. Add Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Remove sauce from heat. Fold in cooked pasta and lobster pieces gently, ensuring everything is coated with the sauce.
  8. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and a pinch of garlic powder.
  9. Transfer the lobster mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture on top.
  10. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
  11. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly. Enjoy warm.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best as it will continue cooking in the oven. Stir constantly when making the roux to avoid lumps. For extra crispy topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to prevent burning. Use panko breadcrumbs for best crunch. Can substitute dairy-free ingredients for a vegan adaptation. Leftovers reheat best in the oven to preserve crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: lobster mac and cheese, garlic butter, crispy crust, comfort food, seafood pasta, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, baked mac and cheese

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/savory-garlic-butter-lobster-mac-and-cheese-easy-crispy-crust-recipe/