Lobster Mac and Cheese

Indulge in this creamy, decadent Lobster Mac and Cheese featuring tender chunks of Atlantic lobster, rich Gruyère, and extra-sharp Cheddar cheese from Larry's Catch. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a touch of luxury, perfect for special dinners or cozy nights in.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1 lb cooked Atlantic lobster meat, chopped
• 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 2 cups extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Cook the Macaroni:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Stir in the Dijon mustard and paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the Gruyère and extra-sharp Cheddar cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.

Combine the Pasta and Lobster:

1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat all the pasta evenly.
2. Gently fold in the chopped cooked Atlantic lobster meat, ensuring it's evenly distributed throughout the mac and cheese.

Prepare the Topping:

1. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
2. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top of the mac and cheese, followed by the panko mixture for extra crunch.

Bake:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer the lobster mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Serve:

• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color.
• Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with tender lobster.

Tips for Making Lobster Mac and Cheese:

• Lobster Meat: Use high-quality cooked Atlantic lobster from Larry's Catch for the best flavor.
• Cheese Blend: Gruyère adds a creamy texture and nutty flavor, while the extra-sharp Cheddar brings a strong, bold taste.
• Panko Topping: The crunchy breadcrumb topping adds the perfect contrast to the creamy pasta.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this Lobster Mac and Cheese with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For an even more indulgent twist, try serving it with a glass of Chardonnay.