Lobster is a dish often associated with luxury, especially if you live on a big coastal city. If you’ve never tried it before, this shellfish tastes like a cross between meatier shrimp and sweeter, lighter crab (without the fishy smell).
Good lobster almost melts in the mouth and has just enough sweetness to play off savory dishes nicely (this is thanks to the lean meat).
Ready to try your hand at a luxury comfort food? You can taste the sea even if you don’t live anywhere near the coast. Pick up some spiny lobster online and head to the grocery store for the rest of your ingredients. Get ready for a dish that’s creamy, rich, and delicious.
Ingredients
- Kosher salt
- Vegetable oil
- 1 lb. elbow macaroni
- 1 quart of milk
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups grated Gruyere cheese
- 2 cups grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 1/2 pounds cooked lobster
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
- Bring salted water to a boil. Add a drizzle of vegetable oil, then add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions and preference. Drain well, then set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat milk in a small saucepan (DON’T boil it!) In a large pot, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. Add the flour when the butter is melted and stir. Cook over low heat for two minutes with a whisk. Continue whisking and add the milk. Cook for a few minutes more until the mixture is smooth, then remove from heat.
- Add the Gruyere, cheddar, nutmeg, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Stir until smooth.
- Add the cooked lobster and macaroni. Stir thoroughly.
- Place the mixture into individual gratin dishes (6 or 8, depending on serving size preferences).
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the butter and breadcrumbs on top of the macaroni.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the tops are golden.
