Save This luxurious Coastal Lobster Roll Mac and Cheese combines two beloved comfort foods into one incredible dish. The tender chunks of sweet lobster meat nestled in a velvety cheese sauce, topped with a fragrant dill butter crumb reminiscent of classic lobster rolls, creates an unforgettable dinner experience that elevates ordinary mac and cheese to something truly special.
I first created this dish for my partner's birthday after we had to cancel our New England vacation. The combination of buttery lobster and the aromatic dill topping transported us right to the coast, and it's now our tradition for celebrating milestones.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta: provides the perfect vehicle for capturing the creamy sauce in every bite
- Cooked lobster meat: brings sweet oceanic flavor and luxurious texture look for fresh lobster tails or high quality frozen options
- Sharp white cheddar cheese: delivers tangy depth while maintaining a clean flavor profile that complements the seafood
- Gruyère cheese: adds nutty complexity and superior meltability for the silkiest sauce
- Fresh dill: in the topping creates that authentic lobster roll experience with its bright herbal notes
- Panko breadcrumbs: provide essential textural contrast against the creamy pasta below
- Lemon zest: brightens the entire dish and enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta:
- Cook your pasta in generously salted water until just al dente about 1 minute less than package directions. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven so slightly undercooking it ensures perfect texture in the final dish. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to thin your sauce later.
- Prepare the lobster:
- Gently sauté the chopped lobster meat in butter just long enough to warm it through about 1 to 2 minutes. This brief cooking preserves the lobsters delicate texture while infusing it with buttery flavor. Be careful not to overcook as lobster can quickly become tough.
- Create the cheese sauce base:
- Make a proper roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until it smells slightly nutty but remains pale in color about 60 seconds. This crucial step creates the foundation for a smooth sauce. Gradually add the milk and cream in a steady stream while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming.
- Develop the cheese sauce:
- Allow the sauce to thicken until it coats the back of a spoon before reducing the heat to low. Add cheeses in small handfuls stirring between additions to ensure smooth melting. The combination of three different cheeses creates unparalleled depth of flavor and the perfect creamy consistency.
- Combine components:
- Gently fold the cooked pasta and lobster into the cheese sauce ensuring every piece gets evenly coated. Use a folding motion rather than aggressive stirring to prevent breaking up the delicate lobster pieces. Transfer to your baking dish spreading evenly.
- Create the dill butter topping:
- Mix the melted butter with panko breadcrumbs fresh dill lemon zest and sea salt until every crumb is moistened. This topping is what transforms ordinary mac and cheese into a lobster roll inspired masterpiece. Distribute it evenly over the pasta mixture using your fingertips for the most control.
- Bake to perfection:
- Bake until the top reaches a beautiful golden brown and the edges bubble enticingly about 20 to 25 minutes. The contrast between the crispy herbed topping and the creamy interior creates the perfect textural experience. Allow it to rest before serving to let the flavors meld.
Save The fresh dill is truly the secret ingredient that transforms this dish from ordinary mac and cheese to something extraordinary. My family was initially skeptical about the combination, but now they request this "special occasion mac" for birthdays and holidays. The aromatic dill butter crust shatters beautifully with each spoonful, mimicking that perfect first bite of a proper New England lobster roll.
Seafood Selection Tips
When choosing lobster for this recipe, fresh is wonderful but not always necessary. High quality frozen lobster tails work beautifully when thawed properly in the refrigerator overnight. Look for cold water lobster when possible as it tends to have sweeter more tender meat. If lobster is beyond your budget or unavailable, lump crab meat makes an excellent substitute while maintaining the coastal luxury feel.
Make Ahead Instructions
This dish is perfect for entertaining because you can prepare it in stages. The cheese sauce can be made up to two days ahead and refrigerated. The pasta can be cooked and stored separately. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce, combine with pasta and lobster, top with the dill butter mixture, and bake. The assembled but unbaked dish can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, just add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this decadent mac and cheese with something light and acidic to balance the richness. A simple lemon arugula salad dressed with olive oil works beautifully. For a full coastal dinner experience, start with a small cup of clam chowder and finish with a light lemon sorbet. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay provides the perfect beverage pairing to cut through the creaminess.
Storage And Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess and cover loosely with foil to prevent the top from burning. For best results, reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through rather than using a microwave, which can make the sauce separate and the lobster tough.
Budget Friendly Adaptations
Use half the amount of lobster and supplement with sautéed shrimp. Substitute part of the Gruyère with more affordable cheeses like Monterey Jack. Make a half batch for a special date night rather than a full dish.
Save Elevate your mac and cheese game with this restaurant-worthy lobster dish. It’s sure to impress with its rich flavors and luxurious texture.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen lobster for this mac and cheese?
Yes, frozen lobster meat works well. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight, pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then proceed with the recipe as directed. Pre-cooked frozen lobster is a convenient option that still delivers excellent flavor.
- → What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?
If Gruyère isn't available, Swiss cheese makes an excellent substitute with its similar nutty flavor. Fontina, Emmental, or even a mild provolone can also work well in this dish while maintaining a creamy texture when melted.
- → Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish up to the baking step, cool completely, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, add the dill butter topping and bake at 375°F for about 30-35 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- → How do I know if my cheese sauce is thick enough?
The cheese sauce should coat the back of a spoon and when you run your finger through it, the line should hold. If it's too thin, continue cooking over low heat while stirring. If too thick, add a splash more milk or cream until you reach the desired consistency.
- → What sides pair well with lobster mac and cheese?
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich mac and cheese. Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or garlic green beans also complement this dish beautifully. For a complete coastal-inspired meal, serve with some crusty bread.
- → Can I make this dish without the breadcrumb topping?
Yes, the breadcrumb topping can be omitted if preferred. The dish will still be delicious, though you'll miss some textural contrast. Consider stirring the dill, lemon zest and a bit of butter directly into the cheese sauce to retain those flavors.