Lobster Mac Cheese Bites (Printable Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
170 g elbow pasta
→ Dairy
02 -
30 g unsalted butter, divided (2 tbsp plus 1 tsp)
03 -
240 ml heavy cream
04 -
85 g cream cheese, softened
05 -
85 g gouda cheese, shredded (approx. 1 cup)
06 -
85 g mild cheddar cheese, shredded (approx. 1 cup)
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
07 -
1 small shallot, finely chopped
08 -
2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
→ Seafood
09 -
115 g cooked lobster meat, finely chopped
→ Baking & Seasonings
10 -
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
11 -
Salt, to taste
12 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to finish
13 -
2 tbsp plain bread crumbs
14 -
1 tbsp thinly sliced chives
15 -
Cooking spray
16 -
Kosher salt for pasta water
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 200°C. Lightly coat a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
02 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow pasta and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until very al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 -
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add shallot and garlic, cooking until fragrant and shallots are translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring, until light brown and bubbly, about 1 minute.
04 -
Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly add heavy cream, stirring continuously until sauce thickens, about 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and incorporate cream cheese, gouda, and cheddar until fully melted. Season with salt.
05 -
Fold finely chopped lobster meat and cooked pasta gently into the cheese sauce until evenly combined.
06 -
In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining 1 teaspoon butter. Stir in bread crumbs and cook until fragrant and lightly toasted. Remove from heat.
07 -
Using two small spoons or a small cookie scoop, evenly distribute the pasta mixture into the prepared muffin tin cups. Sprinkle toasted bread crumbs over each portion.
08 -
Bake bites in the preheated oven until golden brown and bubbling on top, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven, garnish with sliced chives, and season with freshly ground black pepper before serving.
# Helpful Notes:
01 -
Use a nonstick pan for cooking the cheese sauce to prevent sticking. Grease the muffin tin with cooking spray for easier release. Cook pasta slightly under al dente, as it will finish cooking in the oven.