Creamy lobster and mushroom Mac and Cheese with browned butter bread crumbs

50 mins    Dinner Indulge in a luxurious twist on comfort food with creamy lobster and mushroom mac and cheese. Tender chunks of lobster and earthy sautéed mushrooms are folded into a velvety blend of sharp cheddar, Mozzarella, and Gruyere cheeses, coating every bite of perfectly cooked pasta. Topped with crispy browned butter breadcrumbs and Parmesan, this dish is created to golden perfection, offering a rich, satisfying balance of flavours and textures that's perfect for any special occasion. Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Total time: 50 minutes

Serves: 4 Contains: Dairy, Gluten, Meat Free from: Seafood

Creamy lobster and mushroom Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

Roasted Mushroom

• 200 grams shimeji or oyster mushrooms, chopped (any other kind will do)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 teaspoons crushed garlic

• 1 teaspoon salt

Lobster

• 1 lobster tail, uncooked, defrosted. Use 2 for a stronger flavour.

• 1 tablespoon salt

Browned Butter Breadcrumbs

• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs

• 2 1/2 tablespoons butter

Mac and Cheese

• 450 g elbow macaroni

• 6 tablespoons butter

• 6 tablespoons plain flour

• 950 ml whole milk

• 2 chicken bouillon cubes

• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup Gruyère cheese

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)

Method

1. Roast the Mushrooms Heat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the mushrooms with olive oil, garlic and salt. Spread evenly on the baking sheet. Bake until browned, about 20-25 minutes.

2. Cook the Lobster Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat and add 2 tablespoons of salt. Add the lobster tail and boil for 1 minute per ounce (e.g., a 4-ounce tail would need to be boiled for 4 minutes). Transfer the lobster to a bowl of cold water. Remove the flesh from the shell (cut in half to make it easier).

3. Prepare the Browned Butter Breadcrumbs Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and toast, stirring continuously, until golden brown, about 3–5 minutes. Set aside.

4. Make the Mac and Cheese Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the flour and cook until the mixture turns light brown, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and bouillon cubes, cooking and stirring often until the sauce thickens, about 6-10 minutes. Add the cooked macaroni, cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, roasted mushrooms, and lobster. Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste.

5. Serve Transfer the Mac and Cheese to a serving dish. Top with browned butter breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

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