Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese Recipe
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Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese Recipe
Everybody deserves to treat themselves to this Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese recipe! It’s ultra cheesy, made with four kinds of cheese, and packed with tender lobster pieces. To top it off, there's a spicy Cajun breadcrumb topping that adds the perfect kick. Perfect for any special occasion or just when you want to spoil yourself, this dish is pure indulgence! Gluten-free + Dairy-free Option.
What Makes This Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese SO Special?
As a Southern girl at heart, mac 'n cheese holds a special place in my heart, which is why I have so many mac + cheese recipes on my site. Haha. This Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese is luxuriously creamy, irresistibly gooey, and loaded with Cajun flavor. With the addition of succulent lobster tails, it feels fancy + indulgent—truly a match made in heaven!
It’s a winner whether you serve it as a side dish or the main event. It’s that kind of soulful, feel-good food that brings everyone together. Super easy, and oozes Southern charm with its cheesy, gooey inside and that irresistible crispy outside. Guaranteed to be a hit with any crowd! Plus there is a gluten-free option so everyone can enjoy!
If you're on the hunt for everything mac and cheese, I've got you covered! From the Smoked Baked Mac + Cheese Rigatoni, Easy Vegan Pumpkin Mac + Cheese and Baked Vegan Buffalo Mac + Cheese to the Easy KFC Mac + Cheese Bowl [Copycat] and, of course, my newest addition Southern Baked Gnocchi Mac + Cheese definitely give them a try next!
Jump to:
- What Makes This Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese SO Special?
- Why Should You Make Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese?
- How To Make Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese
- Ingredients
- How To Prepare Lobster Tails
- Tips + Tricks For Ultra Delicious Mac + Cheese!
- Is Lobster Worth The Price?
- Best Types of Cheese for this Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese
- What Can I Add to This Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese?
- Adding More Protein
- Choosing Your Perfect Pasta
- What To Eat + Serve Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese With?
- Health Benefits Of Lobster Tails
- Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese Q + A's
- More Of My Favorite Mac + Cheese Recipes
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese Recipe
Why Should You Make Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese?
- It’s absolutely delicious ---- Packed with tender, flavorful lobster pieces while being creamy + velvety!
- The perfect side or main meal
- Cheesy & crispy
- Bold Cajun flavors in the breadcrumb that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Easy weeknight meal--Simple preparation + minimal ingredients
- A crowd-pleasing combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Family-friendly (Well, everyone in my family seems to love it, Haha.)
How To Make Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese
Preparing mac and cheese involves 4 essential steps--- Prep + cook the losbter tails, boil the pasta until it's 'al dente---then make the creamy cheese sauce; next, craft a crispy cajun breadcrumb topping and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
LOBSTER:
- Wild lobster tails. If using smaller lobster tails, you can use up to 6 total for a meaty filling.
- Butter. Unsalted + melted. My all-time fave and go-to is from Organic Valley!
- Cajun seasoning. Homemade or store-bought. See my super easy cajun seasoning recipe here.
MAC + CHEESE:
- Your fave shortcut pasta. I like to use medium shells, elbow pasta, or Lumache pasta.
- Unsalted butter. Adds richness and flavor to the cheese sauce.
- Organic all-purpose flour. Helps thicken the sauce, providing a creamy consistency.
- Garlic cloves. Adds a nice strong garlicky taste.
- Seasonings. Garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, smoked paprika + sea salt, to taste.
- Chili powder. Optional for those who like a little extra heat.
- Almond milk. You can use whole milk or your fave plant-based milk.
- Organic heavy cream. This helps to create a ultra creamy base.
- Cheese. Freshly-grated smoked gouda, sharp cheddar cheese + mild cheddar cheese!
TOPPING:
- Breadcrumbs. You can also make your own Seasoned Toasted Panko Bread Crumbs.
- Cajun Seasoning. Homemade or store-bought.
- Grated parmesan cheese. Helps create a crisp, golden-brown cheesy crust when baked!
SHOP MY FAVORITE BAKEWARE ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES FOR THIS MAC + CHEESE!
Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese Recipe. Everything from my fave dutch pot/oven, wooden spoons, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
How To Prepare Lobster Tails
I know lobster can seem like a fancy ingredient that you might not have prepared often before, but I promise it's surprisingly easy! Here's how:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil paper.
- To prep lobster tails, slightly crack shell and remove most of lobster meat outside of shell without completely detaching shell from meat and remove any "grey lining", and rinse with water and vinegar to clean. Pat dry. NOTE: Slightly detaching meat from shells allows the lobster meat to fully cook through with shell blocking it.
- In a bowl, mix together the melted butter and cajun seasoning until combined.
- Add lobster tails onto the prepped baking sheet and generously brush tops of lobster meat with butter-seasoning mixture and bake them for 10-15 minutes or so. NOTE: Once lobster are completely cooked, they will turn light pink in color fully.
- Once lobsters are cooked through, remove from oven and let cool slightly before removing the meat entirely from the shells and cutting them into medium-sized chunks or leaving them whole----whichever your prefer.
Tips + Tricks For Ultra Delicious Mac + Cheese!
- Avoid pre-shredded cheeses---Opt for shredding your own cheese instead of relying on pre-shredded varieties from the store. Pre-shredded cheese often contains preservatives and might not melt as smoothly as freshly shredded cheese.
- Invest in good-quality ingredients--- They can truly elevate the dish! Particularly, opt for high-quality cheese. Using premium ingredients can take your dish from good to gourmet, making a noticeable difference in the final taste.
- Cook your pasta 'al dente' for that ideal texture--- It'll continue cooking a bit in the oven, so avoid overcooking it initially.
Is Lobster Worth The Price?
I must admit--- Lobster can be a bit pricey. However, it's just so amazing and I enjoy it on occasion, especially now! I love using lobster tails for this recipe because they're more affordable and easy to work with.
Best Types of Cheese for this Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese
Even though this Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese is based on using smoked gouda, sharp + mild cheddar you can also switch things up and add a new flare to its flavor profile by adding any of the following grated cheeses:
- Fontina
- Monterey Jack
- Mozzarella
- American cheese
- Havarti
- Parmesan cheese
What Can I Add to This Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese?
I like to add some extra texture to creamy dishes like this Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese recipe. While the ingredients in this creamy dish are perfect as is, I wanted to share a few more ideas of ingredients that you can add in case you make this recipe more than once and want to switch things up!
Other ingredient ideas include:
- Kale or spinach
- Candied bacon
- Broccolini or broccoli
- Crispy sage leaves
- Mushrooms
- Herb roasted tomatoes
- Roasted chickpeas
- Beans (White beans, etc.)
- Panko breadcrumbs
Adding More Protein
If you'd like to add protein to this Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese, it's easy to do, regardless of your diet!
PLANT-BASED PROTEIN OPTIONS:
- Crispy seared or baked tofu cubes
- Roasted chickpeas
- Crumbled stir-fried seitan
- Crumble vegan bacon on top
- Sautéed cauliflower florets or broccoli
- Sautéed asparagus, Brussels sprouts, etc.
MEAT-BASED PROTEIN OPTIONS:
If you're a not a seafood lover, feel free to swap out the lobster for these delightful options!
Choosing Your Perfect Pasta
You can use any type of pasta that you like in this Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese recipe. That is what makes this recipe so adaptable!
I love using macaroni because it does a beautiful job of embracing and holding onto the cheesy sauce. But any of these pasta varieties would work for this dish -
- Shells
- Penne
- Spirals
- Ravioli or gnocchi would also go wonderfully with this sauce combo!
- You can also use gluten-free pasta
What To Eat + Serve Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese With?
When it comes to most pasta dishes (including this Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese dish), I often enjoy them with a side of bread of some sort. Most times, I make my own homemade Garlic Bread, however, you can choose to spruce things up with many other options such as:
- A delicious salad-- Try Quinoa Salad or Best Buffalo Chickpea Kale Salad
- A steak or lamb dinner.
- Greens like asparagus or brussels sprouts
- Alongside a classic tomato soup
- Grilled veggies
- Crispy chicken
- Texas Toast Garlic Bread
- Serve as part of a table spread!
Here's the thing. This Lobster Mac + Cheese recipe is so luxurious and flavorful that you can honestly enjoy it all by itself. Seriously, the tender lobster + cheesy creamy sauce with the crispy golden topping is everything! So, feel free to dig in and savor every single bite. It's a dish that stands tall on its own!
Health Benefits Of Lobster Tails
This mouthwatering seafood dinner isn't just delicious --- it's nutritious. Check out the lineup of healthy benefits that come with every delicious bite:
High-quality protein--- They are a rich source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle health and overall body function.
Low in saturated fat--- Lobster tails are low in saturated fat, making them a heart-healthy protein option.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid--- Lobster contains omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart health and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Vitamins + minerals--- Lobster provides essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, zinc, selenium, and copper.
Shellfish-specific nutrients---Lobster contains unique nutrients found in shellfish, such as astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant.
Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese Q + A's
Leftovers can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated when ready to serve. To reheat, simply heat in the oven for the best results or microwave for a minute or two until heated through.
Yes! To make this Mac + Cheese vegan, simply substitute cheeses with dairy-free shreds, ensure that you use plant-based milk, and use vegan butter. Also, check out my Vegan Mac + Cheese recipe.
To ensure that this recipe is GF, be sure to use GF-friendly pasta, breadcrumbs, and flour.
Yes! If you don’t want to use all-purpose flour, feel free to substitute with regular starch like arrowroot starch, or tapioca flour, which all act as a thickening agent.
Yes, you can definitely use frozen lobster tails for this mac and cheese recipe. Just be sure to thaw them properly before using, following the instructions on the package. Once thawed, you can proceed with preparing the lobster according to the recipe.
More Of My Favorite Mac + Cheese Recipes
If you are a fan of this Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese Recipe then you will also love these cheesy recipes for the entire family:
- Ultimate Vegan Mac + Cheese
- Easy KFC Mac + Cheese Bowl
- The BEST Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
- Stovetop Southern Mac and Cheese
- Easy Vegan Pumpkin Mac + Cheese
- Baked Vegan Buffalo Mac + Cheese
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried this Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
Baked Lobster Mac + Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
LOBSTER:
- 3-4 (11 oz.) wild lobster tails (If using smaller lobster tails, you can use up to 6 total for a meaty filling)
- 6 Tbsps unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ Tbsps Cajun Seasoning
MAC + CHEESE:
- 1 (16 oz.) package Your fave shortcut pasta (I like to use medium shells, elbow pasta, or Lumache pasta)
- 4 Tbsps unsalted butter
- 3 Tbsps organic all-purpose flour
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- sea salt, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder, optional
- 2 ½ cups Almond milk (You can also use whole milk or your fave plant-based milk)
- 1 ½ cups organic heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly-grated Smoked Gouda cheese
- 1 cup shredded Sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mild cheddar cheese
TOPPING:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (You can also make your own Seasoned Toasted Panko Bread Crumbs)
- ½ teaspoon Cajun Seasoning
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
PREPARE THE LOBSTER TAILS:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil paper.
- To prep lobster tails, slightly crack shell and remove most of lobster meat outside of shell without completely detaching shell from meat and remove any "grey lining", and rinse with water and vinegar to clean. Pat dry. NOTE: Slightly detaching meat from shells allows the lobster meat to fully cook through with shell blocking it.
- In a bowl, mix together the melted butter and cajun seasoning until combined.
- Add lobster tails onto the prepped baking sheet and generously brush tops of lobster meat with butter-seasoning mixture and bake them for 10-15 minutes or so. NOTE: Once lobster are completely cooked, they will turn light pink in color fully.
- Once lobsters are cooked through, remove from oven and let cool slightly before removing the meat entirely from the shells and cutting them into medium-sized chunks or leaving them whole----whichever your prefer. Set aside.
COOK THE PASTA:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt and add shells, elbow pasta, or Lumache pasta and cook according to packaging, about 8-10 minutes in most cases. Once cooked, drain, and lightly toss in olive oil (to prevent sticking together), cool and set aside.
TO MAKE THE CHEESE SAUCE OVER STOVETOP:
- In a large dutch pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat, add butter and let it melt. Once melted, add minced garlic sauté for a minute or so, until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and seasonings until combined. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking frequently until lump-free, about 3-4 minutes. Turn off the heat and add in the smoked gouda, sharp cheddar, and mild cheddar, stirring until fully melted and smooth, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add in the cooked pasta, and lobster chunks and stir together until well coated and combined.
BREADCRUMBS TOPPING:
- In a bowl, add in the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, and cajun seasoning, tossing them together until combined.
ASSEMBLY + BAKE:
- Scoop the macaroni-cheese mixture into a standard baking dish or deep skillet (oven-safe) and top with breadcrumb mixture, evenly spreading it out.
- Bake on the center rack for 25-30 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit or until the tops are golden brown, the sides are bubbly, and the mac and cheese center has set. Remove from oven and serve immediately.
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
- STORAGE: Leftovers can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated when ready to serve. To re-heat, add each serving to the oven, microwave, or stovetop until warmed through.
- FLOUR: If you don’t want to use all-purpose flour, feel free to substitute with regular starch or arrowroot starch, tapioca flour, which all act as a thickening agent.
- DAIRY-FREE OPTION: To make this Mac + Cheese vegan, simply substitute cheeses with dairy-free shreds, ensure that you use plant-based milk, and use vegan butter. Also, check out my Vegan Mac + Cheese recipe.
- GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: To ensure that this recipe is GF, be sure to use GF-friendly pasta and flour.
Nutrition
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