🦞 Lobster Mac and Cheese Bread Bowl
Ingredients
For the mac and cheese:
8 oz (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni (or shells)
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup heavy cream
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère (or mozzarella for a milder flavor)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional but adds great depth)
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the lobster:
8 oz cooked lobster meat, chopped (tails or claw meat work well)
1 tbsp butter
1 clove garlic, minced
Squeeze of lemon juice
Pinch of cayenne or Old Bay seasoning (optional)
For serving:
2 small round bread bowls (sourdough or boule)
1 tbsp butter (for brushing)
¼ cup shredded cheese (for topping)
🔪 Instructions
Prepare the bread bowls:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice off the tops of your bread bowls and hollow them out, leaving about a ½-inch thick shell.
Brush the inside with melted butter.
Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, until lightly crisped inside. (This helps prevent sogginess.)
Cook the pasta:
Boil the macaroni in salted water until just al dente.
Drain and set aside.
Cook the lobster:
In a small skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter, add garlic, and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Add lobster, lemon juice, and a pinch of cayenne or Old Bay.
Cook just until heated through, about 1–2 minutes.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce:
In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in warm milk and cream, stirring until smooth and thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, Dijon, and paprika.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine:
Stir the cooked pasta and lobster into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
Spoon the mixture into the toasted bread bowls.
Bake & serve:
Top with extra shredded cheese.
Place filled bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, until golden and bubbly on top.
Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
💡 Tips
Want extra flavor? Drizzle the inside of the bread bowl with garlic butter before filling.
For a restaurant-style finish, broil the top for 1–2 minutes for that golden crust.
You can substitute shrimp, crab, or scallops for the lobster for variety.