Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 pound cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.
- Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of cheddar cheese and Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked macaroni and chopped lobster meat to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top.
- In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese bites.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the bites.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before removing from the muffin tin. Serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. Leftover bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. You can substitute other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Fontina, for the Gruyere. Crab meat can be used as an alternative to lobster. For a spicier kick, add a finely chopped jalapeño to the cheese sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bites
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
