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Lobster Mac and Cheese, with succulent pieces of wild caught fresh water lobster, is possibly the best macaroni and cheese recipe you’ll find!

Now, even though I cheat and use langostino instead of true lobster, once you smother it with the heavenly cheddar Gruyere cheese sauce and crisp topping, no one will argue! 

Lobster Mac and Cheese recipe
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Why this recipe works:

Lobster Mac and Cheese is such a decadent pasta dinner recipe, but I would argue it’s worth every calorie!

  • This recipe combines tender cooked pasta with a creamy cheese sauce and tender bites of seafood.
  • You can totally make a pot of this lobster mac and cheese and eat it right out of the pan, but I love to bake it in the oven with a parmesan and panko crumb crust.
  • This is truly a decadent and delectable recipe. The creamy gruyere cheddar cheese sauce is perfection. Plus, it is super fast and easy to make since the lobster, or langostino, meat I recommend using is already cooked. Simple!
  • If you love rich recipes that feature lobster, you’ll also love my Lobster Bisque and Broiled Lobster Tail! And if decadent seafood is your favorite, try these Dungeness Crab Legs.

Ingredients needed:

  • Pasta – you can use any kind of macaroni or different shaped pasta noodles
  • For the cheese sauce, I use butter, garlic, flour, whole milk, a Gruyere cheddar cheese blend, and salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg to taste
  • For the crispy topping, I use a blend of panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and garlic herb spices
  • Lobster – you can use cooked Maine lobster meat or wild caught langostino
Lobster Mac and Cheese with a crunchy crumb topping

Here’s how to make it:

  1. This recipe starts by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Under cook the pasta slightly since you will finish it off in the oven.
  2. To make the cheese sauce, you will start by infusing the garlic in the butter and then adding flour to make a roux. The milk is added and the the mixture is brought to a simmer. You will then remove it from the heat and stir in the grated cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg, to taste.
  3. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and the cooked lobster pieces. Add to individual ramekins or a baking dish. 
  4. To make the topping, you will combine some melted butter with bread crumbs, parmesan, and seasonings and spread over the top of the pasta. This then get’s browned in the oven.

Cooking tips:

  • Freshly grated cheese always melts better than store bought shredded cheese.
  • If you prefer a thinner sauce, scoop out about a cup of the pasta water just before you drain the pasta. This can be added in small amounts to the mac and cheese to thin the sauce without reducing the flavor.
The best Lobster Mac and Cheese

Other mac and cheese recipes:

If a good homemade mac and cheese is your weakness, you’ll definitely want to try some of these favorites!

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Lobster Mac and Cheese

Prep20 minutes
Cook25 minutes
Total45 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Lobster Mac and Cheese, with succulent pieces of wild caught fresh water lobster, is possibly the best macaroni and cheese recipe you’ll find! Now, even though I cheat and use langostino instead of true lobster, once you smother it with the heavenly cheddar gruyere cheese sauce and crisp topping, no one will argue! 

Ingredients 

  • 8 ounces macaroni I used ditalini pasta
  • 5 tablespoons butter divided
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3 cups gruyere cheddar cheese grated (see note)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 12 ounces cooked lobster meat see note
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 3/4 cup parmesan grated
  • 1 teaspoon garlic herb spices or thyme
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Instructions 

  • Cook the pasta in salted boiling water to al dente doneness. You want them to be cooked but firm since they will continue cooking in the sauce. Drain and set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • While the pasta is cooking, make the cheese sauce. Over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter with the garlic. Allow to cook for a few minutes until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and allow to cook for several minutes to form a roux.
  • Add the milk to the roux and whisk well to combine. Bring milk to a simmer and allow to cook for several minutes, continually whisking. It should thicken slightly. Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese, salt and pepper, and nutmeg.
  • Add lobster meat and cooked pasta to the cheese sauce.
  • Divide mac and cheese between 6 ramekins or transfer to a baking dish.
  • Melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and combine in a small dish with the breadcrumbs, parmesan, and herbs. Spread evenly over mac and cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
  • Serve hot.

Notes

I used a gruyere cheddar blend from Trader Joe’s, but you can also do equal parts of gruyere and cheddar.
Langostino can be used in place of lobster.

Nutrition

Calories: 622kcal, Carbohydrates: 39g, Protein: 35g, Fat: 35g, Saturated Fat: 21g, Cholesterol: 171mg, Sodium: 1124mg, Potassium: 279mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 1085IU, Vitamin C: 0.5mg, Calcium: 674mg, Iron: 1.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave me a comment below

This recipe was originally published in November 2017 and has been updated with helpful information, ingredient and process photos, as well as recipe tips. Don’t worry – the recipe hasn’t changed!

Hi! I’m Krissy.

I love to create the BEST versions of your favorite recipes. If you love to cook, love to eat, or just have a deep appreciation for good food, you're in the right place! Stick around... I have hundreds of recipes for you to make.

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11 Comments

    1. Whatever you have should work, but since it’s more like a meal than a dip, I like to use larger ones if you have them.

    1. Hi Marcie, so sorry for such a late reply. The langostino I buy is actually pre-cooked, so I just thaw but I don’t steam. You can totally make in a casserole dish.

  1. This is a very good basic recipe. Like with all recipes, as you gain more experience, you will make modifications that will make it taste even better. One change I would strongly suggest would be that you NOT use precooked langoustines in place of lobster. Just suck it up and spring for a nice FRESH 3 or 4 pound lobster. Trust me: it makes a world of difference. After all, decadence IS the name of the game with this dish. You’re welcome.

  2. Thanks for such a great recipe! I found this last Christmas and served with beef tenderloin for an amazing decadent Christmas Day dinner. Everyone loved it and I’ve made it many times since for dinner guests – always with rave reviews. The garlic and butter in the cheese sauce base is the game changer. I use 2 parts gruyere to 1 part sharp cheddar and it is amazing.

    1. I had it in the past when i brought it up to my girl she looked at me funny almost refused to eat it saying it was a waste of lobster finally got her to try it(back in December) and now she is hooked making it again soon

  3. 5 stars
    Hi Krissy….! am a big fan of cheese and this is one of my favorite recipe till now. i will definitely tried to making this lobster mac….such a amazing recipe…Thanks for sharing…..!