Lobster Mac and Cheese
The ultimate comfort food, Lobster Mac and Cheese combines creamy cheeses, tender pasta, and succulent lobster for a dish that's hard to resist. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner, this recipe will satisfy cravings and leave everyone asking for seconds!
Equipment
- Grater
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Chef's Knife
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Skillet
- Frying Pan
- Oven
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 pound macaroni such as elbows, shells, or orecchiette
- to taste Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups cooked and diced lobster meat
- to taste Freshly cracked black pepper
- to taste Sea salt
- ½ cup sliced shallots
- ¾ cup chopped fresh chives
- ½ pound unsalted butter (1 cup)
- 3 cups heavy cream divided
- 1 cup shredded Asiago cheese
- 1 cup cubed Swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- to taste Bread crumbs
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add macaroni and cook until al dente according to package directions. This typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In the same pot, fit a metal mixing bowl over it to create a double boiler. Add the Asiago, Swiss, Monterey Jack, and Cheddar cheeses along with 1-1/2 cups of the heavy cream. Stir frequently to melt the cheeses, ensuring it doesn’t burn. The mixture should become velvety and a bit loose, similar to a rich cheese soup.
- If the cheese mixture seems too stringy or clumpy, don’t hesitate to add some of the remaining cream. You want a smooth and creamy consistency that will coat the macaroni perfectly.
- While the cheese is melting, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This will prepare it for the final baking stage, which gives the top that lovely golden brown finish.
- In a sauté pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add the chives, shallots, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 to 4 minutes or until the shallots turn tender and translucent.
- Next, add the cooked and diced lobster meat to the pan. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld, and the lobster to warm up.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lobster mixture with the drained pasta. Stir well to incorporate everything, and then slowly add the cheese mixture until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Transfer the entire mixture to an oven-safe dish. Make sure to spread it evenly for consistent baking.
- Top with Parmesan cheese and a generous layer of bread crumbs. This will create a beautiful, crunchy topping that contrasts with the creamy filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until the top is browned and the center is warm and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Notes
- Tip: Labrador Lounge's recipe calls for 3 cups of heavy cream total. Start with 1-1/2 cups and add additional cream until the desired sauce consistency is reached.