Imen This Ina Garten lobster mac n cheese is a rich and creamy recipe, which uses Gruyère cheese and sharp cheddar for decadent flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, perfect for holidays or dinner parties, ready in about 45 minutes.
Ina Garten Lobster Mac N Cheese Ingredients
- Kosher salt
- Vegetable oil
- 1 lb cavatappi or elbow pasta
- 1 qt milk
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 12 oz Gruyère, grated
- 8 oz sharp Cheddar, grated
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1½ lbs cooked lobster meat
- 1½ cups fresh white breadcrumbs (from 5 slices)
How To Make Ina Garten Lobster Mac N Cheese
- Cook the pasta: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring salted water and a splash of oil to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Warm the milk: Heat milk in a saucepan until hot but not boiling; set aside.
- Make the roux: In a large pot, melt 6 tablespoons butter over low heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
- Create cheese sauce: Slowly add hot milk, whisking until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat; stir in Gruyère, cheddar, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Combine pasta and lobster: Fold cooked pasta and lobster meat into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer mixture to baking dish(es).
- Add breadcrumb topping: Toss breadcrumbs with remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle over pasta.
- Bake until golden: Bake 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Serve hot.
Recipe Tips
- Can I prep lobster mac ahead of time? Assemble and refrigerate; bake just before serving.
- Best lobster to use? Cooked tail or claw meat works—fresh or frozen.
- Can I use pre-shredded cheese? Freshly grated melts better and gives a creamier sauce.
- What pasta shape works best? Cavatappi holds sauce well; elbows or shells also work.
- How to make the topping extra crispy? Mix breadcrumbs with parmesan for added crunch.
What To Serve With Ina Garten Lobster Mac N Cheese
This rich dish pairs well with lighter sides:
- Simple green salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic bread
- Lemon wedges
- Crisp white wine
How To Store Ina Garten Lobster Mac N Cheese
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk.
Freeze: Freeze unbaked mac n cheese (without topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, add breadcrumbs, and bake.
Ina Garten Lobster Mac N Cheese Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese blend?
Yes, Gruyère and cheddar are classic, but fontina or gouda can be added for extra richness.
Can I make this without lobster?
Yes, omit the lobster for a traditional baked mac and cheese.
How do I avoid grainy cheese sauce?
Use low heat when melting cheese and avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents.
Try More Recipes:
Ina Garten Lobster Mac N Cheese
Description
Description: A decadent baked mac and cheese with Gruyère, cheddar, and tender lobster, finished with buttery breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook pasta until al dente; drain.
- Warm milk in a saucepan.
- Melt 6 tbsp butter; whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in hot milk until thickened; remove from heat.
- Stir in cheeses, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Fold in pasta and lobster.
- Place mixture in baking dish. Toss breadcrumbs with remaining butter and top evenly.
- Bake 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbling.
