Pour this 1 decadent mix over macaroni into a baking dish for a special-occasion treat that’s dangerously satisfying

This oven-baked lobster mac and cheese is the kind of special-occasion treat you pull out when you really want to spoil your family a little. Everything comes together in one decadent mixture—lobster meat, sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, milk, butter, flour, Dijon mustard, and a little paprika—then you simply pour it over a pan of tender elbow macaroni and bake until bubbly. It feels fancy, like something you’d order at a nice restaurant, but it’s still straightforward enough for a cozy Saturday night at home.
Serve this rich lobster mac and cheese with something fresh and simple on the side, like a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon to balance the creaminess. Warm dinner rolls or a crusty baguette are great for scooping up any extra sauce. For adults, a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon works nicely, while kids might enjoy apple juice or milk alongside. This dish is filling, so keep the sides light and let the mac and cheese be the star.
Oven-Baked Lobster Mac and Cheese
Servings: 6

Ingredients
12 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk, warmed
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, packed
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese, packed
1 lb cooked lobster meat, chopped into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
2 tbsp melted butter (for topping, optional)
1 cup panko or plain breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions