Lobster Mac and Cheese Bites
These Lobster Mac and Cheese Bites are a luxurious twist on classic comfort food, featuring a crunchy exterior and creamy, cheesy interior bursting with tender lobster flavor. Perfect as a fancy appetizer or party snack, they combine rich lobster meat with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, finished with a crispy breadcrumb crust. Easy to make, customizable, and sure to impress any crowd.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Pasta
Seafood
- 1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped
Cheese
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Sauce Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
- 1 1/2 cups milk
Binding and Coating
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cook the macaroni: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water following package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes to make a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cheese sauce with cooked macaroni, chopped lobster meat, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cool for easier handling.
- Form the bites: Whisk an egg in a small bowl and add it to the cooled mac and cheese mixture to help bind it. Using a spoon or small scoop, shape the mixture into bite-sized balls.
- Bread the bites: Roll each bite in breadcrumbs until fully coated for a crispy crust once baked or fried.
- Cook: For best results, bake the bites in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy. Alternatively, pan-fry them in oil over medium heat until browned on all sides.
Notes
- Use fresh lobster for the best flavor and texture.
- Let the mac and cheese mixture cool completely before shaping to ensure the bites hold together well.
- Don’t skip the breadcrumb coating for essential crunch.
- Watch baking time carefully; golden brown is perfect to avoid dryness.
- Make a double batch for parties or freeze leftovers for later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bites (approx. 90g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: lobster, mac and cheese, appetizer, party snack, comfort food, cheesy bites, seafood, finger food