Description
Lobster Mac & Cheese Bites are a decadent and savory appetizer perfect for entertaining. These bite-sized treats combine tender elbow pasta with a creamy blend of gouda, cheddar, and cream cheese, enriched with succulent lobster meat. Baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping and garnished with fresh chives, they deliver an irresistible combination of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 oz. elbow pasta
- 4 oz. cooked lobster meat, finely chopped
- 3 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 3 oz. gouda, shredded (about 1 cup)
- 3 oz. mild cheddar, shredded (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup heavy cream
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- Kosher salt, to taste
Topping
- 1 tsp. unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp. plain bread crumbs
- 1 Tbsp. thinly sliced chives
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a mini 24-cup muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until very al dente, about 5 to 6 minutes. Since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, it should be slightly undercooked. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add finely chopped shallot and coarsely chopped garlic, cooking and stirring occasionally until fragrant and the shallots become translucent, about 3 minutes. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until the mixture is light brown and bubbly.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly add the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Cook until the mixture begins to thicken, approximately 3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in softened cream cheese, shredded gouda, and shredded cheddar until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with kosher salt to taste.
- Combine Lobster and Pasta: Fold the finely chopped lobster meat and undercooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Prepare Topping: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining 1 teaspoon of butter. Add bread crumbs and stir until they are evenly coated and fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Bites: Using two small spoons or a small cookie scoop, evenly divide the lobster mac and cheese mixture among the 24 prepared mini muffin cups. Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs evenly over the top of each cup.
- Bake: Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until they are golden brown and bubbly on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and top each bite with thinly sliced chives. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
- To ensure the pasta does not become mushy, cook it slightly under al dente since it will finish cooking in the oven.
- If desired, substitute lobster meat with shrimp or crab for variation.
- Use a mini muffin tin to create perfectly portioned bite-sized servings.
- Bread crumbs can be toasted separately to add an extra crunch.
- Make sure all cheese is shredded for easier melting and smooth texture.
- These bites can be prepared ahead of time, assembled, and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
