Main Dishes

Lobster Mac & Cheese

Combine comfort food with the ultimate New England splurge in this rich and flavorful Lobster Mac & Cheese. It’s decadent and delicious!

By Yankee Magazine

Aug 08 2022

lobster-mac-and-cheese

Lobster Mac & Cheese

Photo Credit : Hornick/Rivlin

Combine comfort food with the ultimate New England splurge in this flavorful and award-winning Lobster Mac & Cheese. It’s decadent and delicious!

Adapted from Cal Hancock of the Hancock Gourmet Lobster Company, this recipe beat out Bobby Flay’s version in a 2010 episode of Throwdown!

SEE MORE:
12 Favorite New England Comfort Food Recipes
12 Best Lobster Shacks in New England
Cooking Lobster Tails | Expert Advice

Yield:

6 servings

For the pasta:

Ingredients

1 pound shaped pasta, such as elbows or shells
8 tablespoons salted butter, divided
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups light cream
2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
8 ounces cooked lobster meat (from about two 1-1/2-pound lobsters), cut into bite-size pieces

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain in a colander, set into the sink, and rinse with cold water to cool. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350°. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a medium-size saucepan over medium heat. Stir in onion and garlic; cook until onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Melt remaining 5 tablespoons butter in the saucepan. Whisk in flour and stir until mixture is light golden-brown and glossy, 8 to 10 minutes. Gradually whisk cream into flour mixture, increase heat to medium-high, and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring, until mixture is thick, creamy, and smooth, 10 to 15 minutes.

Stir onion/garlic mixture and cheeses into cream mixture until melted and smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper; then gently stir in lobster and reserved pasta. Pour mixture into a 4-quart casserole and smooth the top.

Next, make the topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add breadcrumbs and parsley; cook, stirring , until lightly toasted. Sprinkle evenly over casserole.

Bake in preheated oven until sauce is bubbly and the top is golden-brown, 10 to 12 minutes.

For the topping:

Ingredients

2 tablespoons salted butter
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Next, make the topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add breadcrumbs and parsley; cook, stirring, until lightly toasted. Sprinkle evenly over casserole.

Bake in preheated oven until sauce is bubbly and the top is golden-brown, 10 to 12 minutes.