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Creamy Lobster Mac and Cheese for Two

creamy lobster mac and cheese for two - featured image

A rich and satisfying lobster mac and cheese recipe perfect for two, combining tender lobster chunks with a silky cheese sauce and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s an indulgent yet approachable comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ounces elbow macaroni
  • ½ pound cooked lobster meat, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. If using fresh lobster, ensure it’s cooked and chopped into 1-inch pieces. If frozen, thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight and pat dry.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Once melted and bubbling, whisk in flour. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until light golden and nutty smelling.
  4. Gradually whisk in warm whole milk, pouring slowly to prevent lumps. Keep whisking until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Lower heat and add shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses in batches, stirring until smooth and creamy. Avoid overheating.
  6. Fold in cooked macaroni and lobster pieces gently, coating evenly with cheese sauce.
  7. Pour mixture into a buttered 1-quart oven-safe dish. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top.
  8. Preheat oven broiler. Place dish under broiler for 3-5 minutes until breadcrumbs are golden and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  9. Let mac and cheese rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Slightly undercook pasta to prevent mushiness after baking. Avoid overheating cheese sauce to prevent separation. Watch broiler closely to avoid burning breadcrumb topping. For a twist, add fresh thyme before baking. For gluten-free, substitute flour and pasta accordingly. Dairy-free options available with substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: lobster mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, lobster recipe, comfort food, easy dinner for two, cheesy pasta, seafood mac and cheese