Lobster Mac & Cheese

Sometimes its best if I just keep my mouth shut. Now that I'm cherishing my kitchen time at home even more so these days, I'm looking forward to Valentine's day this year where I hope to make something special. But now I have to start over because I opened my mouth. My husband asked me what I'd like to do for Valentine's day and apparently he couldn't wait a few more weeks when I shared with him potential recipes I would make. As a result, he asked me to make this Lobster Mac & Cheese early. Granted, it was a hit at our house but now it's back to the drawing board for other romantic meal ideas...

You don't have to wait until Valentine's Day either to make this decadent mac & cheese recipe. It's both elegant and comforting... perfect for a special night in, anytime of year. I lucked out getting a good deal on lobster that even though I wanted to wait to make this, I have no regrets making it earlier than planned. The recipe comes from my favorite gal, Ina Garten.


This mac & cheese recipe uses 2 cheeses - extra sharp cheddar and Gruyere. Both go exceptionally well together, even moreso with lobster. If you can't get your hands on lobster, don't fret! You can substitute it with lump crab meat too. The original recipe called for baking in individual gratin dishes but you can also bake this in a large baking dish too.

Lobster Mac & Cheese
recipe from Ina Garten

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 (or lump crab meat)
1 1/2 cups fresh white bread crumbs (5 slices, crusts removed)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.

Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't boil it. In a large pot, melt 6 tablespoons of butter and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. Still whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the Gruyere, Cheddar, 1 tablespoon salt, the pepper, and nutmeg.

Add the cooked macaroni and lobster and stir well. Place the mixture in a large baking dish or 6 to 8 individual gratin dishes.

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, combine them with the fresh bread crumbs, and sprinkle on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the pasta is browned on the top. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.