Ina Garten’s Lobster Mac N Cheese is made with tender lobster, cavatappi or elbow macaroni, milk, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, Gruyere cheese, extra-sharp Cheddar, black pepper, nutmeg, and fresh white bread crumbs, baked for 30 minutes to golden perfection!
Try More Ina Garten Recipe:
💛 Why You’ll Love This Lobster Mac N Cheese Recipe:
- Luxurious Flavor: Indulge in the rich taste of lobster paired with Gruyere and Cheddar cheeses.
- Comforting Elegance: Elevate classic mac n cheese with this gourmet twist.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Impress guests with a dish that’s both sophisticated and comforting.
- Simple Preparation: Despite its gourmet appeal, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make.
❓ What Is Ina Garten Lobster Mac N Cheese Recipe?
Ina Garten’s Lobster Mac N Cheese Recipe features al dente pasta coated in a creamy cheese sauce infused with Gruyere, Cheddar, and spices, then mixed with succulent lobster meat and baked with buttery breadcrumbs.
🦀 Ina Garten Lobster Mac N Cheese Ingredients
- Kosher salt
- Vegetable oil
- 1 pound cavatappi or elbow macaroni
- 1-quart milk
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 12 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated (4 cups)
- 8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (2 cups)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 1/2 pounds cooked lobster meat
- 1 1/2 cups fresh white bread crumbs (5 slices, crusts removed)
🥘 How To Make Ina Garten Lobster Mac N Cheese
- Set oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add oil to a large pot of salted water that is boiling. Toss in the pasta and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until al dente, as directed on the package. Thoroughly empty the drain.
- Add the milk to a small saucepan and heat it through, being careful not to boil it. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large pot, then stir in the flour.
- Cook while whisking with a whisk over low heat for 2 minutes. Whisk in the hot milk while continuing to cook for another minute or two, or until thickens and becomes smooth.
- Take it off the heat and stir in the Cheddar, Gruyere, pepper, nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Incorporate the lobster and cooked pasta by stirring thoroughly. Divide the mixture into 6 to 8 separate gratin dishes.
- Toss the fresh bread crumbs with the melted 2 tablespoons of butter and then sprinkle over the top.
- Bake, stirring occasionally, for 30–35 minutes, or until sauce bubbles and macaroni begins to color.
💭 Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Lobster: Opt for fresh lobster meat for the best flavor and texture.
- Thicken Sauce Gradually: Whisk in hot milk slowly to achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Customize Breadcrumbs: Experiment with different bread types for varied texture and flavor.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the dish while baking to prevent over-browning.
🥗 What To Serve With Lobster Mac N Cheese?
Serve With Lobster Mac N Cheese with Snap Pea Salad, Celery Salad, Onion Rings, Marinated Olives, Crab Rangoon Dip, Crab Cakes, Roasted Eggplant Spread, Caviar Dip, Blini, Onion Rings, Quinoa Salad, and White Bean Salad.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Lobster Mac N Cheese?
- In The Fridge: Keep leftover lobster mac n cheese in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
- In The Freezer: Freeze leftover lobster mac n cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
How To Reheat Leftovers Lobster Mac N Cheese?
- Oven: Reheat leftover lobster mac n cheese in a baking dish at 400°F for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stove: Warm gently leftover lobster mac n cheese in a saucepan over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat leftover lobster mac n cheese in a microwave-safe plate on 50% power for 1 minute, stirring in between, until heated evenly.
FAQs
How to prevent lobster mac n cheese from drying out?
To prevent lobster mac n cheese from drying out, ensure a creamy consistency, add extra moisture with cheese or cream, and cover while baking.
Why did my cheese clump in lobster mac n cheese?
Your cheese might have clumped in lobster mac n cheese due to adding it to the hot sauce, causing protein tightening and lumps.
Why is my lobster mac and cheese watery?
Lobster mac and cheese may become watery due to excess liquid from the lobster or insufficient thickening of the sauce.
How do you know when lobster mac and cheese is done baking?
When the sauce bubbles and the macaroni begins to color, indicating a golden crust, your lobster mac and cheese is done.
Try More Ina Garten Recipe:
Ina Garten Lobster Mac N Cheese Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450
- Total Fat 21g
- Saturated Fat 11g
- Trans Fat 0.4g
- Cholesterol 102mg
- Sodium 460mg
- Potassium 321mg
- Total Carbohydrates 34g
- Dietary Fiber 1.8g
- Sugars 1.1g
- Protein 31
Ina Garten Lobster Mac N Cheese
Description
Ina Garten’s Lobster Mac N Cheese is made with tender lobster, cavatappi or elbow macaroni, milk, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, Gruyere cheese, extra-sharp Cheddar, black pepper, nutmeg, and fresh white bread crumbs, baked for 30 minutes to golden perfection!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add oil to a large pot of salted water that is boiling. Toss in the pasta and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until al dente, as directed on the package. Thoroughly empty the drain.
- Add the milk to a small saucepan and heat it through, being careful not to boil it. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large pot, then stir in the flour.
- Cook while whisking with a whisk over low heat for 2 minutes. Whisk in the hot milk while continuing to cook for another minute or two, or until thickens and becomes smooth.
- Take it off the heat and stir in the Cheddar, Gruyere, pepper, nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Incorporate the lobster and cooked pasta by stirring thoroughly. Divide the mixture into 6 to 8 separate gratin dishes.
- Toss the fresh bread crumbs with the melted 2 tablespoons of butter and then sprinkle over the top.
- Bake, stirring occasionally, for 30–35 minutes, or until sauce bubbles and macaroni begins to color.
Notes
- Use Fresh Lobster: Opt for fresh lobster meat for the best flavor and texture.
Thicken Sauce Gradually: Whisk in hot milk slowly to achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
Customize Breadcrumbs: Experiment with different bread types for varied texture and flavor.
Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the dish while baking to prevent over-browning.