This Lobster Mac ‘N Cheese recipe is a labor of love that’s worth every indulgent bite. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or making it the star of the meal, this dish is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Bon appétit!
Equipment:
- MEATER 2 Plus
- MEATER Board
- MEATER Mitts
- Traeger Smoker
- Oven
- Kitchen scissors
- Large pot
- Whisk
- Cast iron skillet or baking dish
- Bowl
Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Medium
Temperature:
- Doneness: 140°F (60°C)
- Smoker Temperature: 225°F (107°C)
- Oven Temperature: 350°F (177°C)
- Cook Method: Smoker & Oven
Ingredients:
- 8 lobster tails
- 1 ½ tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- Pinch of salt
- 1 lb. cavatappi pasta
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 32 oz heavy cream
- 8 oz Pepper Jack cheese
- 16 oz smoked Gouda
- 16oz sharp Cheddar (save some for toppings)
- 8.oz Mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- Dash of hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 teaspoon chipotle powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt & freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Start by preheating your Traeger smoker to 225°F (107°C). This gentle heat is perfect for infusing the lobster with savory smokiness.
- Carefully cut the lobster tails open and remove the meat. Season the lobster meat generously with Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring each bite is packed with a seasoned hug for your Valentine.
- Next, insert the probe of your MEATER 2 Plus into the lobster tails. In the MEATER App, set the temperature to 140°F (60°C) and start the cook! Place the seasoned lobster directly on the grill grates of your Traeger smoker and let them smoke until perfectly cooked. The MEATER App will alert you once your lobster has finished cooking!
- While the lobster is smoking, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and begin making the cheese sauce. Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package’s directions. Remember to rinse the pasta with cold water after straining and lightly coat it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add in the flour and whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture begins to lightly boil. Incorporate the cream cheese, cheeses, and spices, making sure to reserve some sharp Cheddar for the topping and half of the smoked Gouda for layering.
- If you’re a fan of spicy foods just like us, add a dash of hot sauce (or more if you’re really feeling spicy) to the cheese sauce for an extra kick of flavor that will complement the richness of the lobster and cheese. Yummm!
- Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring that each piece of pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy goodness. Mix that!
- Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into a large cast iron skillet or lightly greased baking dish. Layer the top with the reserved smoked Gouda and sharp Cheddar cheeses. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the mac and cheese is golden and bubbly throughout.
- For an extra pop of color and texture, broil the mac and cheese on low for 2-3 minutes after the initial baking time.
- Finally, allow your lobster mac and cheese to cool slightly before serving. Each bite is sure to delight you, your Valentine, and your taste buds!