Savory Lobster Mac & Cheese Bites for a Cozy Night In

Why Make This Savory Lobster Mac & Cheese Bites for a Cozy Night In

If you’re looking for a warm and comforting dish to elevate your cozy night in, look no further than Savory Lobster Mac & Cheese Bites. These delicious morsels are a decadent twist on the classic mac and cheese, featuring the rich, sweet flavors of lobster combined with creamy cheeses that melt in your mouth. Not only do they offer a delightful blend of textures—crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside—but they also create a luxurious experience for your taste buds. Perfect as an appetizer or a snack while enjoying your favorite movie, these bites are sure to impress both family and friends.

How to Make Savory Lobster Mac & Cheese Bites for a Cozy Night In

Making these bites is easier than you might think! Start by preparing your ingredients and gathering all the necessary tools, including a muffin tin to shape your bites. The key to achieving that perfect creamy center is in the sauce, which combines butter, shallot, garlic, and a mix of rich cheeses. Once baked, these mac and cheese bites are golden brown and bubbling, delivering each flavor in a bite-sized piece.

Ingredients:

• 6 oz elbow pasta
• 1 spray cooking spray (For greasing the muffin tin)
• 1 tsp kosher salt (For boiling water)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small shallot (Finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (Coarsely chopped)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (Can substitute with gluten-free flour)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 oz cream cheese (Softened)
• 3 oz gouda (Shredded)
• 3 oz mild cheddar (Shredded)
• 6 oz cooked lobster meat (Finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp plain bread crumbs (Consider seasoned for more flavor)
• 2 tbsp thinly sliced chives (For garnish)
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray.
2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil, adding in kosher salt. Cook the elbow pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped shallot and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring for about a minute. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, cooking until slightly thickened.
4. Add Cheeses: Lower the heat and mix in the cream cheese, gouda, and cheddar until melted and smooth. Fold in the chopped lobster meat and cooked pasta, seasoning with black pepper.
5. Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into the greased muffin tin, pressing down gently. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
6. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before removing from the tin.
7. Garnish: Top with thinly sliced chives before serving.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 bite (total of 12 bites)

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 350mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 11g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 8g

How to Serve Savory Lobster Mac & Cheese Bites for a Cozy Night In

These versatile bites can be served in various ways. Present them on a platter with a drizzle of truffle oil for an elegant touch, or pair them with a simple salad for a complete meal. For a festive gathering, create a dipping sauce like aioli or a zesty remoulade to accompany the bites. You could even enjoy them alongside a crisp white wine, enhancing the flavors of the lobster.

How to Store Savory Lobster Mac & Cheese Bites for a Cozy Night In

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as this can make them lose their crispy texture.

Expert Tips for Perfect Savory Lobster Mac & Cheese Bites for a Cozy Night In

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Be sure not to overcook your pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Season the Lobster: Add a pinch of Old Bay seasoning to the lobster for an extra layer of flavor.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh lobster meat to elevate the dish.
• Don’t Skip the Breadcrumbs: They add the perfect crunch to the bites, enhancing the overall texture.

Delicious Variations

• Spicy Lobster Mac & Cheese Bites: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture for some heat.
• Veggie Lobster Mac & Cheese Bites: Incorporate spinach or other vegetables for a twist. Just make sure to finely chop them!
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like parmesan, smoked gouda, or pepper jack to change the flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen lobster meat?
   Yes, frozen lobster meat is a great option! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain excess moisture before adding it to your mix.

2. How can I ensure my mac and cheese bites don’t stick to the tin?
   Greasing the muffin tin thoroughly is key. You might also consider using silicone muffin molds for easier release.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and fill the muffin tins a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Savory Lobster Mac & Cheese Bites are a delightful dish that combines the comfort of mac and cheese with the luxury of lobster, perfect for a cozy night in. With creamy textures and rich flavors, every bite promises satisfaction. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe for your next gathering or relaxed evening at home—your taste buds will thank you! Feel free to share your experiences and variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Savory Lobster Mac & Cheese Bites

A decadent twist on classic mac and cheese, combining rich lobster flavors with creamy cheeses in bite-sized pieces, perfect for any cozy night in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bites

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Mac & Cheese Bites

• 6 oz elbow pasta
• 1 spray cooking spray For greasing the muffin tin
• 1 tsp kosher salt For boiling water
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small shallot Finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic Coarsely chopped
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 oz cream cheese Softened
• 3 oz gouda Shredded
• 3 oz mild cheddar Shredded
• 6 oz cooked lobster meat Finely chopped
• 2 tbsp plain bread crumbs Consider seasoned for more flavor
• 2 tbsp thinly sliced chives For garnish
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray.
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil, adding in kosher salt. Cook the elbow pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped shallot and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
4. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring for about a minute. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, cooking until slightly thickened.
5. Lower the heat and mix in the cream cheese, gouda, and cheddar until melted and smooth.
6. Fold in the chopped lobster meat and cooked pasta, seasoning with black pepper.
7. Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into the greased muffin tin, pressing down gently.
8. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
9. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before removing from the tin.
10. Top with thinly sliced chives before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.