Lobster Mac and Cheese Cups

Name: Lobster Mac and Cheese Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 8 ounces elbow macaroni; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups cooked lobster meat, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Highlighted under: Cozy Meal Favorites

I absolutely love creating bite-sized versions of classic dishes, and these Lobster Mac and Cheese Cups are a perfect testament to that. The combination of creamy cheese, tender lobster, and perfectly cooked pasta comes together in a delightful cup that is both elegant and comforting. They’re fantastic for parties or as a special treat for dinner. Trust me, once you try these, you'll be in awe of how easily you can elevate your mac and cheese game.

Created by

Noah

Last updated on 2026-01-22T19:29:28.439Z

I remember the first time I made these Lobster Mac and Cheese Cups for a dinner party. The combination of rich cheeses and the sweetness of lobster was an absolute hit, and everyone raved about their bite-sized elegance. The method I used made sure each cup had the right balance of flavors, and it was so satisfying to watch my guests enjoy them.

A little tip I discovered: using a combination of sharp cheddar and creamy Gruyère takes the flavor of the mac and cheese to the next level. Plus, baking them in muffin tins creates a perfect golden crisp on the edges while keeping the center soft and gooey.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Indulgent lobster flavor in every bite
Creamy cheese filling with a crunchy top
Perfect for upscale gatherings or cozy nights in
Easy to make ahead and bake before serving

Perfect Pasta Texture

When making these Lobster Mac and Cheese Cups, the texture of the pasta is crucial. Cooking the elbow macaroni until just al dente will ensure that it remains firm while baking. If you overcook the pasta, it can turn mushy during the baking process, ruining the structure of each cup. Aim for a cooking time slightly less than what the package suggests, usually about 7-8 minutes, and taste for that perfect bite before draining.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider tossing the cooked macaroni with a touch of olive oil and a pinch of salt while it's still warm. This not only prevents sticking but also adds a hint of richness that complements the lobster beautifully.

The Cheese Sauce Magic

The cheese sauce is the heart of this recipe, and using a combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyère creates a depth of flavor that is both rich and sophisticated. Cheddar provides that classic mac and cheese taste, while Gruyère adds a nuttier undertone. It's essential to add the cheese gradually to the thickened milk and cream, stirring continuously until smooth and glossy. This helps prevent the cheese from clumping and ensures a creamy consistency.

If you want to make this dish even creamier, consider incorporating a splash of white wine into the cheese sauce after adding the milk and cream. Allow it to simmer until slightly reduced before adding the cheese. This addition enhances the overall flavor profile and pairs beautifully with the lobster.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Lobster Mac and Cheese Cups are delightful on their own, but they can also be served alongside a crisp green salad or a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a touch of elegance, serve them with a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the seafood wonderfully. You can also drizzle some truffle oil over the cups just before serving for an added gourmet twist.

If you're planning on making these cups for a crowd, consider scaling the recipe up. Each muffin tin can hold a generous amount, so doubling the ingredients allows for more guests to enjoy this luxurious treat. Also, they are excellent for meal prep; simply bake them ahead of time and reheat in a warm oven to maintain their crunchy topping.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Lobster Mac and Cheese Cups:

Ingredients

8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups cooked lobster meat, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Make sure to prep all ingredients before moving on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Lobster Mac and Cheese Cups:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add the milk and cream, stirring until thickened. Stir in the cheddar and Gruyère until melted.

Combine Ingredients

Fold the cooked macaroni and lobster meat into the cheese sauce, and season with salt and pepper.

Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin and fill each cup with the mac and cheese mixture.

Top and Bake

Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of each cup. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serve

Let cool slightly before removing from the muffin tin. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Enjoy these delicious Lobster Mac and Cheese Cups hot from the oven!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

Make-Ahead Tips

These Lobster Mac and Cheese Cups can easily be prepared a day in advance. Follow the recipe through the step of filling the muffin tin with the mac and cheese mixture, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake straight from the fridge, adjusting your baking time to an additional 5 minutes to ensure they heat through properly.

If you've made a bulk batch, you can freeze the uncooked cups. Place them in the muffin tin and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook, bake them without thawing, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time for a perfect result.

Common Troubleshooting

If you find your cheese sauce is grainy, it could be due to overheating the cheese or not mixing enough while adding it. To fix this, you can strain out the grainy bits and reheat the sauce gently, whisking continuously until the desired smoothness is achieved. Remember to keep your heat low; high temperatures can cause the proteins in the cheese to seize up, resulting in a lumpy sauce.

Another common issue is if the mac and cheese cups don’t hold together well after baking. This can happen if too much liquid was added, so ensure you measure precisely and keep an eye on the cheese sauce consistency. A thicker sauce allows for better cohesion in the cups as they bake.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese mixture ahead of time, fill the muffin tin, and store it in the fridge. Bake just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for lobster?

You can use shrimp or crab meat if lobster is not available. Just make sure they are cooked before adding them to the mix.

→ How do I store leftover cups?

Store leftover cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I freeze these cups?

Yes, they freeze well! Freeze the uncooked cups, and when ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.