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Perfect Lobster Mac and Cheese for Two Easy Crispy Cheese Crust Recipe

lobster mac and cheese - featured image

A rich, buttery lobster mac and cheese with a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy golden cheese crust, perfect for cozy dinners for two or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ounces elbow macaroni (about 1 1/4 cups)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (can substitute gluten-free flour)
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed (use dairy-free milk if needed)
  • 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces cooked lobster meat, chopped (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 6 ounces (170 g) of elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons (28 g) of unsalted butter. Once melted, sprinkle in 3 tablespoons (24 g) of all-purpose flour. Whisk constantly for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is golden and smells nutty.
  3. Slowly pour in 2 cups (480 ml) of warmed whole milk while whisking continuously. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until thickened, stirring frequently.
  4. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 cup (100 g) shredded sharp white cheddar, 1 cup (100 g) shredded Gruyère, and 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
  5. Gently fold in the cooked lobster meat and drained macaroni into the cheese sauce. Be careful not to break up the lobster chunks too much. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Preheat your oven’s broiler. Lightly butter a 1-quart (950 ml) oven-safe baking dish. Pour the lobster mac and cheese into the dish and smooth the top evenly.
  7. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan with 1/4 cup (30 g) panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch (optional). Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese. Dot the top with the remaining 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter cut into small pieces.
  8. Place the dish under the broiler about 4-6 inches from the heat source. Broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese crust is bubbling and golden brown.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente as it will cook further in the oven. Warm milk before adding to roux to avoid lumps. Watch broiler closely to prevent burning the cheese crust. Use pre-cooked lobster meat for convenience. Variations include gluten-free, dairy-free, spicy, and different seafood substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: lobster mac and cheese, lobster recipe, mac and cheese for two, crispy cheese crust, comfort food, easy dinner, seafood mac and cheese