When the Costco Lobster Mac and Cheese was introduced, it felt like the food gods had answered every comfort-food lover’s prayer. But what if I told you that you don’t have to wait for your next Costco run or rely on the store’s deli section to enjoy this decadent dish? That’s right—you can recreate that indulgent, cheesy, lobster-loaded magic right in your own kitchen!
Table of Contents
How to make Costco Lobster Mac and Cheese
Costco Lobster Mac and Cheese is a prepared, ready-to-bake entrée sold in the Costco deli section. It combines classic macaroni and cheese with chunks of real lobster for a rich, indulgent meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening the sauce)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk works best for creaminess)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for rich texture)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Parmesan for a slightly salty kick)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (optional, for extra richness)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 8–12 oz cooked lobster meat (tail or claw meat, chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, toss lightly with olive oil, and set aside to avoid sticking.
2. Prepare the Lobster:
- If using fresh lobster, steam or boil the meat, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. For extra flavor, sauté the lobster lightly in butter for 2–3 minutes before setting it aside.
- Tip: You can use frozen lobster meat if fresh isn’t accessible—thaw thoroughly before cooking.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour, stirring continuously for 1–2 minutes to create a roux. This thickens the sauce and eliminates the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and cream cheese (if using). Whisk until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (optional). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Combine Pasta, Lobster, and Sauce:
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add the lobster meat and carefully combine without breaking apart the pieces.
5. Prepare the Topping (Optional):
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
6. Bake and Finish:
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
- For a golden, bubbly finish, bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown (if skipping the topping, bake just until bubbling).
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tips for the Best Lobster Mac and Cheese
- Choose Quality Cheese: Use good-quality cheese (like sharp cheddar and Gruyère), as this makes all the difference in flavor and creaminess.
- Don’t Overcook Lobster: If the lobster gets too chewy, it can detract from the decadent texture—cook just until tender.
- Fresh vs Pre-Cooked Lobster: Fresh lobster is ideal, but pre-cooked lobster meat is a fantastic choice for faster preparation.
- Keep It Creamy: If the cheese sauce feels too thick, add an extra splash of milk or cream to thin it out before combining with the pasta.
- Play with Flavors: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a hint of spice, or swap Gruyère for gouda to experiment with flavor.
What to serve with
Costco Lobster Mac and Cheese is a rich, indulgent dish that shines as the centerpiece of any meal. To balance its bold, cheesy flavors and the luxurious addition of lobster, it’s best paired with lighter, fresh, or complementary side dishes.
1. Fresh Salads
A crisp, refreshing salad is the perfect way to cut through the richness of the Costco Lobster Mac and Cheese. Choose light, tangy dressings and fresh ingredients to add texture and brightness to your plate.
- Simple Green Salad: Baby greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing pairs perfectly with cheesy dishes, but make sure to keep it light.
- Arugula Salad with Citrus: Peppery arugula topped with orange slices, pomegranate seeds, and a light balsamic vinaigrette.
- Spinach Salad with Berries: Fresh spinach, strawberries, goat cheese, and sliced almonds with a raspberry vinaigrette add sweetness and freshness.
2. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted veggies bring out natural sweetness and provide a savory, healthy counterpoint to the creaminess of Costco Lobster Mac and Cheese.
- Roasted Asparagus: Toss with olive oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon for a simple, elegant side.
- Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Broccoli roasted until crispy pairs beautifully with the cheesy dish.
- Honey Glazed Carrots: Their natural sweetness complements the lobster.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Toss with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a sprinkle of sea salt for irresistible flavor.
Ingredients Substitutes
Not every ingredient in your pantry may line up perfectly with a recipe, whether it’s due to budget, dietary needs, or simply convenience.
1. Pasta Substitutes
The type of pasta you use can affect the texture and overall eating experience. Luckily, many shapes and types work well with mac and cheese, so you don’t have to stick to elbow macaroni.
- Substitute with other pasta shapes: Use shells, cavatappi, penne, or rotini—all of which have grooves or hollows to hold the cheese sauce. Shells, in particular, mimic the Costco Lobster Mac and Cheese texture beautifully.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: If you’re gluten-intolerant, choose a gluten-free alternative like chickpea, lentil, or rice pasta. Cook it slightly under al dente to ensure it holds its shape in the baking process.
- Vegetable Noodles: For a lower-carb option, zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash can be used as the pasta base, though they won’t have the same texture as traditional pasta.
2. Lobster Substitutes
Not everyone has access to fresh lobster, and it’s no secret that lobster can be pricey. Here are alternatives that still give you a seafood-forward flavor:
- Imitation Lobster Meat (Surimi): This affordable option mimics lobster’s texture and taste, making it a convenient and budget-friendly substitute.
- Shrimp: Cooked or sautéed shrimp works wonderfully alongside the cheesy sauce. Use a similar amount (8–12 oz) chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Crab Meat: Canned or lump crab meat adds a deliciously sweet seafood flavor that complements the rich cheese sauce.
- Langoustine Tails or Crawfish: If lobster isn’t available, these small shellfish will stand in beautifully and pair well with the decadent mac and cheese flavors.
- Chicken or Turkey: For a non-seafood substitute, shredded chicken or turkey is an excellent protein option—it’s meaty, tender, and works well with the cheese sauce.
3. Cheese Substitutes
The cheese is the star of the show in mac and cheese, but even if you don’t have the exact cheeses in the recipe, there are plenty of options to maintain that decadent, cheesy flavor.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese Substitutes:
- Mild Cheddar: If you want a less intense flavor, feel free to swap sharp cheddar for mild or medium cheddar.
- Colby or Monterey Jack: Both have a similar melting quality and mild flavor that works well in mac and cheese.
- American Cheese: Adds creaminess and melts beautifully, though the flavor is milder.
Gruyère Cheese Substitutes:
- Swiss Cheese: Swiss is similar to Gruyère in taste and texture, making it a convenient swap.
- Fontina Cheese: Fontina melts beautifully and has the nutty, buttery notes of Gruyère.
- Gouda: Creamy and slightly sweet, Gouda is an excellent alternative to Gruyère.
Cream Cheese Substitute:
- Mascarpone: A softer, slightly sweet Italian cheese that offers creaminess.
- Greek Yogurt: Plain, full-fat yogurt can work in a pinch to achieve a creamy texture without the extra calories.
- Heavy Cream: Just increase the measurement by about 1/4 cup if you’d prefer to skip cream cheese and still need creaminess.
4. Dairy Substitutes
Milk/Heavy Cream Substitutes:
If you’re looking for dairy-free or lower-fat options, here are some great substitutes:
- Half-and-Half: A lighter alternative to heavy cream.
- Evaporated Milk: Makes for a creamy sauce without relying on heavy cream.
- Dairy-Free Milks: Use unsweetened almond milk, cashew milk, or oat milk for a lactose-free version. Be sure to choose unsweetened varieties to avoid clashing flavors.
- Coconut Cream: For a slightly richer, dairy-free option, coconut cream can replace heavy cream, though it will add a subtle coconut taste.
Final Thoughts
By making this Costco Lobster Mac and Cheese at home, you control every detail—from the amount of lobster to the gooey texture of the cheese sauce and even the crispiness of the topping.
More Costco Recipes:
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