Lobster Mac and Cheese with Bacon Bread Crumbs

Ingredients

• 3 cups cavatappi macaroni pasta
• 1 lb cooked lobster meat
• 1/4 lb hickory bacon (reserve 2 tbsp of bacon fat after cooking!)
• 2/3 cup of Italian bread crumbs
• 1 tbsp butter (salted)
• 12 oz evaporated milk
• 2 cups half & half
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup muenster cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup smoked gouda cheese (shredded)
• 1 1/2 sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 1/2 monterey jack cheese (shredded)
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 3 tbsp salted butter
• Salt & Pepper for taste
• Fresh parley (chopped (optional))

Steps

1. 1

   Cook the bacon until it's nice and crisp.

2. 2

   Once the bacon is done, grab out 2 tbsp of the rendered fat, and toss it in a pan with 3 tbsp of butter. Your pan should be over medium heat.

3. 3

   Once the bacon fat and butter start to sizzle, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk.

4. 4

   Next, pour in the half and half, and evaporated milk.

5. 5

   Now let’s add in the sour cream, and whisk the ingredients.

6. 6

   Toss in the shredded or cubed smoked gouda & muenster and stir. Whisk until the cheese is melted throughout.

7. 7

   Now reduce the heat to low.

8. 8

   Taste the sauce, and add salt, pepper, and additional seasonings of choice to taste.

9. 9

   Step 3: Cook the Pasta

10. 10

    Now prepare your pasta. Simply follow the directions on the back of the package or box.

11. 11

    Once the pasta is done, drain it, then immediately add in the pan with the sauce.

12. 12

    Stir until everything is combined, and let cook for about 5-7 minutes over low heat.

13. 13

    Meanwhile, toss the cooked bacon, bread crumbs, and 2 tbsp of butter into a food processor.

14. 14

    Pulse, until the bacon & crumbs resemble sand.

15. 15

    Return back to the pan of mac and cheese, and toss in the lobster, and 2 tbsp of the bacon bread crumbs.

16. 16

    Mix everything until it’s combined.

17. 17

    Preheat your oven to 350 F.

18. 18

    Combine the monterey & cheddar cheeses.

19. 19

    Butter a 9x13 bake dish, and pour half of your lobster mac and cheese into the bake dish.

20. 20

    Sprinkle the 1 1/2 cups of monterey jack & sharp cheddar cheese on top of the macaroni and cheese.

21. 21

    Pour the remaining mac and cheese in the bake dish, and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

22. 22

    Sprinkle 1/4 -1/2 cup of the bacon bread crumbs on top of the mac and cheese.

23. 23

    Leave uncovered, and bake for 20-25 minutes OR until the top is golden brown.

24. 24

    Remove from the oven, and let rest for 5-10 minutes.

25. 25

    *optional* Sprinkle fresh parsley on top of the lobster macaroni and cheese.

26. 26

    Serve and enjoy!