Lobster Mac Cheese Bites (Printer-Friendly Version)

Crispy bites combining cheddar, gouda, lobster, and creamy pasta with a peppery finish.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Pasta and Dairy

01 - 170 g elbow pasta
02 - 30 g unsalted butter (divided)
03 - 240 ml heavy cream
04 - 85 g cream cheese, softened
05 - 85 g Gouda cheese, shredded
06 - 85 g mild cheddar cheese, shredded

→ Aromatics and Seasonings

07 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
08 - 2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
09 - 30 ml all-purpose flour
10 - Kosher salt, to taste
11 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Seafood

12 - 115 g cooked lobster meat, finely chopped

→ Toppings

13 - 15 g plain bread crumbs
14 - 1 tbsp thinly sliced chives

→ Others

15 - Cooking spray

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly coat a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow pasta until very al dente, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Drain and set aside.
03 - Melt 28 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté shallot and garlic until fragrant and shallots are translucent, about 3 minutes. Whisk in flour and cook until light brown and bubbly, roughly 1 minute.
04 - Reduce heat to medium-low and gradually whisk in heavy cream. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese, Gouda, and cheddar until melted. Season with kosher salt to taste.
05 - Fold chopped lobster meat and cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
06 - In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining 5 g (1 teaspoon) butter. Stir in plain bread crumbs until fragrant, then remove from heat.
07 - Using two small spoons or a cookie scoop, evenly distribute the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared muffin tin cups. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture on top.
08 - Bake the bites for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly on top. Remove from oven, garnish with sliced chives, and season with freshly ground black pepper.

# Handy Cooking Tips:

01 - Use a nonstick pan and lightly grease muffin tins to prevent sticking. Undercook pasta slightly since it continues cooking in the oven.
02 - Variations include substituting cheeses or adding paprika and fresh tarragon for enhanced flavor.
03 - Serve with garlic aioli, a ribeye steak for surf 'n' turf, or a fresh cucumber salad to balance richness.
04 - Store cooled bites in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat on a parchment-lined tray at 175°C (350°F).

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