Decadent Lobster Mac & Cheese with Gruyere & Cheddar
This tantalizing Lobster Mac & Cheese brings luxury to comfort food, featuring tender cavatappi pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from an exquisite blend of Gruyere and extra-sharp cheddar. Enhanced with a hint of mustard powder, this unique twist elevates the dish, making it an irresistible favorite for all ages. Perfect for special occasions or simply indulging at home, this recipe embodies the ultimate in culinary comfort. Enjoy it straight from the oven for a delightful crispy topping that contrasts perfectly with the velvety interior, making every bite a complete experience of flavor and texture.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking pasta)
Cavatappi pasta or elbow macaroni
1 lb
Milk
1 quart or 4 cups (heated)
Unsalted butter
8 tablespoons (divided)
All-purpose flour
1/2 cup
Gruyere cheese
12 ounces or 4 cups (grated)
Extra-sharp cheddar cheese
8 ounces or 2 cups (grated)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon
Cooked lobster meat
1 1/2 lbs (chopped)
Fresh white breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups or 5 slices (crusts removed)
Mustard powder
1 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Lobster Mac & Cheese?
It is a luxury comfort food dish featuring cavatappi pasta, a rich cheese sauce made with Gruyere and extra-sharp cheddar, and succulent lobster meat.
What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1 lb of cavatappi pasta or traditional elbow macaroni.
Which cheeses are used in this lobster mac and cheese?
This recipe uses a blend of 12 ounces of grated Gruyere cheese and 8 ounces of grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
How much lobster meat is required?
You will need 1 1/2 lbs of cooked lobster meat, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Should the lobster meat be cooked or raw?
The recipe specifically calls for cooked lobster meat.
What makes this cheese sauce unique?
The addition of mustard powder and a hint of nutmeg provides a unique flavor profile that elevates the creamy sauce.
Is mustard powder necessary?
The mustard powder is listed as optional, but it is recommended for a unique flavor twist.
How much milk is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 1 quart, or 4 cups, of milk.
Should the milk be added cold?
No, the milk should be heated before being incorporated into the sauce.
What type of butter is used for the roux?
The recipe calls for 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter, divided for different steps.
How much flour is needed for the sauce?
You will need 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour to create the roux base for the cheese sauce.
How do you make the breadcrumb topping?
Use 1 1/2 cups of fresh white breadcrumbs, which is roughly 5 slices of bread with the crusts removed.
What kind of salt should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt, or more to taste.
Is nutmeg included in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg is used to season the cheese sauce.
Why is vegetable oil included in the ingredients?
One tablespoon of vegetable oil is used when cooking the pasta to help prevent sticking.
How much black pepper is added?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
What texture can I expect from this dish?
This dish features a velvety, creamy interior contrasted by a crispy breadcrumb topping.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as a gourmet comfort food perfect for special occasions or home indulgence.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients used in this lobster mac and cheese.
Can I use different types of cheddar?
While you can use others, extra-sharp cheddar is recommended for the best flavor contrast with the Gruyere.
How much total cheese is used?
The recipe uses a total of 20 ounces of cheese: 12 ounces of Gruyere and 8 ounces of cheddar.
Do I need to remove bread crusts for the topping?
Yes, the recipe suggests removing the crusts from 5 slices of white bread before making the crumbs.
What is the role of Gruyere in this recipe?
Gruyere provides a sophisticated nuttiness and excellent melting properties for a smooth sauce.
Can I use frozen lobster?
Yes, as long as the lobster is cooked and chopped to the 1 1/2 lb requirement.
Is this dish baked?
Yes, the description mentions it is straight from the oven with a crispy topping, indicating it is a baked pasta dish.
What is the main pasta shape suggested?
Cavatappi is the primary recommendation because its corkscrew shape holds the cheese sauce well.
How much butter is used specifically for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 8 tablespoons total, divided between the roux and the topping.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is described as an irresistible favorite for all ages.
What kind of cheddar provides the best results?
Extra-sharp cheddar is preferred to ensure the cheese flavor isn't lost among the other rich ingredients.
Can I substitute the cavatappi?
Yes, elbow macaroni is the suggested substitute if cavatappi is unavailable.