America's Test Kitchen Lobster Mac And Cheese
Who doesn't love mac and cheese? And if you add lobster to the mix, it just takes things to another level of indulgence. America's Test Kitchen Lobster Mac and Cheese is a recipe that will make your taste buds sing. This dish is perfect for a special occasion, dinner party, or just a cozy night in. And the best part? You don't have to be a pro in the kitchen to get it right. In this article, we will walk you through every step of the recipe and share some tips and tricks to make it a success.
The Ingredients You Will Need
Before you start cooking, you need to make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here is what you will need:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 pounds cooked lobster meat, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure you purchase high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the lobster meat. Check with your local seafood market or grocery store for fresh, cooked lobster meat. You want to use the best quality ingredients to make the best dish possible.
The Step-by-Step Process
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let's start cooking:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the milk, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg to the saucepan. Whisk until smooth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue to whisk until the sauce has thickened, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and Parmesan cheese to the saucepan. Continue to whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni and lobster meat to the saucepan. Stir until everything is well combined and the macaroni and lobster are coated in the cheese sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
That's it! Your America's Test Kitchen Lobster Mac and Cheese is ready to be devoured.
Tips and Tricks
To make sure your dish turns out perfect, here are some additional tips and tricks:
- Make sure you don't overcook the macaroni. Al dente is the way to go.
- Use whole milk for a creamier sauce.
- Don't skip the cayenne pepper. It adds just the right amount of heat to the dish.
- Use high-quality cheeses for maximum flavor.
- When adding the lobster meat, be gentle to avoid breaking it up too much.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your tongue.
Final Thoughts
America's Test Kitchen Lobster Mac and Cheese is a decadent and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. The recipe may seem a bit complicated, but if you follow the steps carefully and pay attention to our tips and tricks, you'll be able to create a dish that will impress even the pickiest of eaters. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you.