Do you have a celebration restaurant? You know, where you go to celebrate birthdays or big milestones? We have a spot downtown where we go to celebrate. I guess it would fall under the category of upscale dining, which we don’t have a ton of in our little city. I think the fact that it is a fancy restaurant makes it all the more special.
Our spot has awesome appetizers and drinks. But when it comes to the main course, steaks are kind of the thing to get there. I’m not really a steak person. So more often than not I order their lobster macaroni and cheese. I’ll admit, this does sound like a kid menu choice for a fancy restaurant. But judge not, because it is awesome! We are big fans of baked macaroni around our house, so I figured I’d start working on my own version of this celebration meal. I added crackers shaped like lobsters. It just felt right.
For the lobster crackers I used my usual cheese cracker recipe and added (a lot of) red food coloring. I got a lobster cookie cutter here. You can totally make these a day or two ahead and just store in an airtight container until you make the mac and cheese.
Lobster Baked Macaroni & Cheese, serves 4-6
8 oz. uncooked macaroni noodles
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 cups milk
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
3 cloves minced garlic
12 oz shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
8 oz (imitation) lobster meat
First, cook the noodles in boiling salted water until al dente, meaning they are still a little uncooked in the centers. Drain and set aside.
In a large, pot melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and mustard, so a smooth paste forms (this is called a roux). Season with cayenne, salt and pepper and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes stirring constantly. Now, stir in the milk, onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring so the roux infuses with the milk. Now stir in 2/3 of the cheese (reserving the rest for the tops before baking). Last, stir in the cooked noodles and lobster meat and stir so everything gets coated.
Pour mixture into your baking dish(es). The mixture should be quite soupy. It will become more solid as it bakes. Sprinkle on the remaining cheese, then the bread crumbs. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Add the crackers to the tops during the last 2-3 minutes of baking, so they can get warm and crispy again before serving.
And yes, I agree, the lobster crackers are pretty funny. Just try serving this without getting your guests to crack a smile. Food that is both delicious and fun is a total win in my book. Enjoy! xo. Emma
Credits // Author and Photography: Emma Chapman
Where do I buy the lobster crackers for the top of the dish?
Oh yummmy! Looks delicous and I love lobster! Nom!
Lulu xx
www.luluslittlewonderland.blogspot.com
This looks absolutely delicious. I would love to see something like this on my dining room furniture in Vermont some time soon. http://bucksfurniture.com
Ha, those lobster crackers are so silly. Love them. I order lobster mac and cheese if we go to fancy-pants steakhouses, too. I don’t think of it as kids menu food at all! Lobster IS fancy, right?
Emma, this is a fantastic idea! My son is sitting on my lap as we speak, saying, “Mama, can WE make red colored lobster crackers?!” This has just made my list of things to do this week. Thank you! 🙂
These are so cute!!! Fab idea, this could become a new house favourite 🙂
Lucy xo | We Resolve Blog
The lobster shaped crackers definitely take this to the next effing level. Yeah!
That’s my fave dish at one of my most favorite celebration restaurants! Excited for a recipe to try!
Lobster mac and cheese is one of my all-time favorites. I will definitely have to give this a try. The crackers are adorable. love it.
hi Emma,
I’m not the best cook but this recipe really is something I feel I could do if i have guests over- it seems manageable and the lobsters are so fun! I have one question, after stirring the cheese in you say to ‘reserve some of the tops’ – what does that mean? XO Edel
Oh my god! What?! Those are amazing! I love it! Lobster crackers?! Dude. You guys win at crafts.
These are so adorable!!!
simplyonelove.com
I’m not a fan of lobster, but this looks really interesting!
Carina
http://www.carstina.com/
This is such an amazing and creative idea! besides looking delicious it is totally eye-catching and festive . Love it!
Jen & Kelly
http://fashionablyfestive.blogspot.com
This sounds delicious, I wonder if I could manage to not mess it up!
Lauren
livinginaboxx
Those looks so cute!
This looks like such a fun meal! I’ll have to plan a night to make this this winter 🙂
MMMMMM!!! This looks so tasty!!
http://poorjessieann6.wordpress.com
They look delicious 🙂
Rosie x | Every Word Handwritten
This looks insanely yummy and cute!