Go Back

Ultimate Lobster Gruyère Mac & Cheese

Creamy baked mac and cheese loaded with Gruyère and cheddar cheeses, topped with lobster chunks and toasted breadcrumbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
Lobster
  • 1 lb cooked lobster meat roughly chopped
Cheese Sauce
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2.5 cups whole milk warmed
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1.5 cups Gruyère cheese shredded
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Topping
  • 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp butter melted
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or parsley chopped, optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Saucepan
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing spoon

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux.
  3. Slowly whisk in warmed milk and cook until smooth and thickened.
  4. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add Gruyère, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
  6. Fold cooked pasta and lobster into cheese sauce and transfer to a greased baking dish.
  7. Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
  8. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Optional: broil 1–2 minutes for extra crispness.
  9. Cool slightly, garnish with thyme or parsley, and serve.

Notes

Do not overcook lobster; fold in just before baking for best texture.