Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Lobster Mac and Cheese recipe topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs. Learn how to make this creamy dish now!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (340 g) (340 grams) elbow macaroni
- 2 cups (480 ml) (480 milliliters) whole milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons (60 ml) (56 grams) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) (31 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) (200 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) (100 grams) shredded beef strips
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) (5 grams) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) (2 grams) black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) (1 gram) paprika
- 1 pound (454 g) (450 grams) cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup (240 ml) (100 grams) panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) (28 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) (8 grams) chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, heat 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until melted.
- Add the flour to the melted butter, whisking continuously for about 1 minute.
- Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Combine the cooked macaroni and lobster meat in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and lobster, mixing until well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the buttered panko evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Try incorporating different cheeses such as Gruyère or Parmesan along with cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
- Add diced bacon or pancetta to the macaroni and cheese for a delightful crunchy texture.
- Enhance the dish with a touch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy twist before baking.
