Description
Elevate your appetizer game with these decadent Lobster Mac and Cheese Bites. Crispy on the outside and creamy, cheesy, lobster-filled on the inside, they’re the perfect gourmet bite for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 pound cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Add cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Gently fold in the cooked lobster meat.
- Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Cut the chilled mac and cheese into 1-inch squares or use a mini muffin tin to form bite-sized portions.
- In a shallow dish, combine Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- Dip each mac and cheese bite into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the bites in batches until golden brown and heated through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels. Serve warm.
Notes
- For easier handling, you can chill the mac and cheese mixture in mini muffin tins and then pop them out to bread and fry.
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for crispy, not greasy, bites.
- Lobster meat can be fresh or frozen (thawed).
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite (approx.)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg