East Coast Lobster Mac and Cheese (Printable)

Creamy lobster mac and cheese fused with East Coast flavors, baked to golden perfection in a family-style dish.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 ounces elbow macaroni

→ Cheese Sauce

02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 3 cups whole milk
05 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
06 - 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
07 - 1 cup Gruyère or fontina cheese, grated
08 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
09 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Lobster & Mix-ins

12 - 12 ounces cooked lobster meat, chopped (claw, tail, and knuckle)
13 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
14 - Zest of 1 lemon
15 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
16 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
17 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon (optional)

→ Topping

18 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
19 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
20 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
21 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
22 - Pinch of sea salt

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 2-quart baking dish.
02 - Boil macaroni in a large pot of salted water until just al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 4–5 minutes.
04 - Add grated cheddar, Gruyère, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
05 - In a large mixing bowl, combine drained macaroni, cheese sauce, chopped lobster, chives, lemon zest, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and tarragon if using. Gently fold until fully mixed.
06 - Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
07 - Combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, parsley, smoked paprika, and sea salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle mixture evenly over the top.
08 - Bake for 20–25 minutes until the topping is golden and edges are bubbling.
09 - Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chives if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Satisfies cravings for both lobster rolls and classic mac and cheese
  • Features a crisp buttery topping over gooey layers
  • Perfect dish for impressing guests yet do-able for weeknight family meals
  • Balances rich cheese bright lemon and sweet lobster in every bite
02 -
  • High in protein thanks to all the lobster and cheese
  • Can be assembled ahead and baked when ready
  • Reheats beautifully for lunches or next-day dinners
  • Fresh lobster is a treat in this recipe but I will never forget sharing this dish on a snowy New England night with my family. The aroma alone brings everyone to the kitchen before you even call them.
03 -
  • For a more pronounced lobster flavor gently sauté the lobster in melted butter for a minute before mixing in
  • Using freshly grated cheese prevents graininess in the sauce
  • Letting the bake rest after removing from the oven keeps it from falling apart when cut

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