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Individual ramekin of creamy lobster mac and cheese with a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping and crumbled bacon on a blue napkin.

Creamy Lobster Mac and Cheese

Rich, gourmet lobster mac and cheese with a three-cheese Gruyere, cheddar, and Parmesan sauce, a hint of nutmeg, big chunks of baked lobster tail, and a crispy breadcrumb top. Perfect for date night, a potluck, or the freezer.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large lobster tails
  • melted butter for brushing the lobster
  • 12 oz macaroni noodles spiral, elbow, or rotini
  • 1 cup Gruyere cheese grated
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese grated
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 cups milk
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground pepper
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • chopped cooked bacon optional, for topping

Equipment

  • Kitchen shears
  • Large Dutch oven or pot
  • Whisk
  • Casserole dish or individual ramekins

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Turn each lobster tail over and cut a line down the length of the shell with kitchen shears. Work a finger between the meat and cartilage and gently pull the meat out, keeping it whole.
  2. Brush the lobster meat on all sides with melted butter and bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, until it reaches 140°F. Chop into large bite-sized chunks.
  3. Meanwhile, cook the macaroni al dente and drain. Grate the Gruyere, cheddar, and Parmesan.
  4. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until hot but not boiling.
  5. In a large Dutch oven, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook over low heat for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly. Still whisking, add the hot milk and cook until thickened and smooth.
  6. Turn off the heat and add the three cheeses, kosher salt, pepper, and nutmeg. As the cheese melts, stir in the noodles and lobster chunks.
  7. Pour into a casserole dish (or individual ramekins) and sprinkle with the bread crumbs. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until bubbling and the top is crispy. Top with chopped bacon for a fancy touch.

Notes

  • Freezer meal: pour the unbaked mixture into a foil tin and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge, bring to room temperature, then bake as directed.
  • Not a seafood fan? Leave out the lobster or use chicken instead.