Description

These Lobster Mac & Cheese Bites are a decadent appetizer combining creamy, cheesy macaroni with tender lobster meat, all baked to golden perfection in mini muffin cups. Perfect for parties or special occasions, they offer a bite-sized twist on classic comfort food with a rich blend of gouda, cheddar, and cream cheese, topped with buttery breadcrumbs and fresh chives.

Ingredients

Scale

Mac & Cheese Base

6 oz. elbow pasta
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 small shallot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
3 oz. cream cheese, softened
3 oz. gouda, shredded (about 1 cup)
3 oz. mild cheddar, shredded (about 1 cup)
4 oz. cooked lobster meat, finely chopped
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

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Boil elbow pasta in a large pot of salted water for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until very al dente. The pasta will cook more in the oven, so it should be slightly undercooked at this stage. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics and Make Roux: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add finely chopped shallot and coarsely chopped garlic, cooking while stirring occasionally until fragrant and shallots become translucent, about 3 minutes. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook stirring constantly until the mixture is light brown and bubbly, roughly 1 minute.
Add Cream and Thicken: Reduce heat to medium-low and gradually add 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously. Cook until the mixture begins to thicken, about 3 minutes.
Incorporate Cheeses and Lobster: Remove the skillet from heat and add softened cream cheese, shredded gouda, and mild cheddar. Stir until all cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce. Season with kosher salt. Fold in the finely chopped cooked lobster and the drained pasta until evenly combined.
Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining 1 teaspoon of butter. Stir in the plain bread crumbs until they are coated and fragrant. Remove from heat.
Assemble Bites: Using two small spoons or a cookie scoop, fill each prepared muffin cup evenly with the lobster mac and cheese mixture. Sprinkle the buttery bread crumbs generously on top of each cup.
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake the lobster mac & cheese bites for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are golden brown and bubbly on top.
Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle each bite with thinly sliced chives and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm as an elegant appetizer or snack.

Notes

Be careful not to overcook the pasta initially since it will continue to cook in the oven.
The mix of gouda and cheddar cheeses offers a balanced smoky and sharp flavor; feel free to adjust cheeses to your preference.
Use freshly cooked lobster meat for the best texture and flavor; canned lobster is not recommended.
You can prepare the mac and cheese mixture a few hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.
For a crispier topping, broil the bites for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bite (based on 24 servings)
Calories: 120
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg